MUNICH (Germany) - The resumption of the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027 European Pre-Qualifiers sees 10 teams back in action as they look to advance to the Second Round.
After many close encounters in February, action in three groups ensues in the hunt for the four available spots in the next stage. The winners of the each group will advance their hunt for the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027 spot and will be joined by the best-ranked runner-up.
Here's a look at how things stand ahead of the second window, with games played on November 21 and 24:
Group A
Schedule:
November 21: Ireland vs Azerbaijan - 18:00 CET - Dublin (IRL) November 21: Switzerland vs Kosovo - 19:30 CET - Bern (SUI) November 24: Azerbaijan vs Switzerland - 11:00 CET - Baku (AZE) November 24: Ireland vs Kosovo - 18:00 CET - Dublin (IRL)
Switzerland met the expectations so far with victories over Azerbaijan and Ireland. However, presumably the biggest challenge yet ensues with a matchup against Kosovo in Bern. Kosovo has a lot to prove with a loss to Azerbaijan in February to make up for.
Elsewhere, Azerbaijan has a nice chance to continue the race for qualification with an away day in Dublin against winless Ireland before a rematch against the Swiss. There will be a lot at stake in Baku as both teams could improve their chances to advance, especially Switzerland who could potentially punch their ticket for the second round.
Watch out for: Selim Fofana (SUI), Sean Flood (IRL), Orhan Haciyeva (AZE), Dardan Berisha (KOS)
Group B
Schedule:
November 21: Norway vs Romania - 19:00 CET - Oslo (NOR) November 24: Luxembourg vs Romania - 17:00 CET - Luxembourg (LUX)
After the action in February was wrapped, Group B left us with Luxembourg provisionally at the top, but it's clear that Norway have the upperhand here without a loss recorded. It is, however, a key window for Romania to prove that their credentials, as they're the only team with two games to play in November.
It's not the luckiest predicament for them with both games being on the road, but Romania has a fine chance here to hurt Norway first, and then to avenge their early slip up against Luxembourg. However, these two teams will look at this window as an opportunity to record their second success on home court.
Watch out for: Clancy Rugg (LUX), Emanuel Cate (ROU), Harald Frey (NOR)
Group C
Schedule:
November 21: Albania vs Austria - 19:30 CET - Durres (ALB) November 24: Armenia vs Austria - 15:00 CET - Yerevan (ARM)
Similar to the situation above, in Group C Armenia sits at the top, but Austria is the central theme of the November window. The immensely experienced team beat Armenia at home in February and now have two away tasks in Albania and Yerevan with great chances of improving to a perfect 3-0 score - and securing top spot.
On the other hand, Armenia will look at their home game as an opportunity of avenging an early loss an retaining their place at the top, whereas Albania need to hit the ground running with a young squad, still without a victory.
Watch out for: Sylven Landesberg (AUT), Chris Jones (ARM), Daniel Lekndreaj (ALB)
FIBA