THE Philippines will host one of the last two windows of the FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers.
The Asian qualifiers for next year's Qatar Basketball World Cup are returning to the country during the sixth and final window set in February 2027, while the fifth window will be hosted in a neutral ground in Malaysia this November.
The FIBA Executive Committee announced the decision during its meeting on Tuesday in Mies, Switzerland, although the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) has yet to confirm the hosting.
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The sixth and final window will be held from Feb. 25 to 28.
The Philippines hosts Jordan on the first day of the window that will also see Australia battling Syria, and New Zealand taking on Iran.
On the final day, it's Gilas against Syria, Australia against Iran, and New Zealand against Jordan.
Both the Malaysia and the Philippine venues have yet to be announced, although the fourth window here was held at the Mall of Asia Arena.
The 2027 FIBA World Cup is set in Qatar from August 27 to Sept. 12.
The decision came days after the Philippines' successful hosting of the fourth window last week among teams in Group E.
Gilas Pilipinas completed a sweep of its two-game schedule against Jordan (82-81 OT) and Iran (68-56) despite playing without naturalized player Justin Brownlee.
The country's hosting was made possible after games scheduled in the Middle East were moved due to the dragging US-Iran crisis.
Following the huge wins, Gilas Pilipinas raised its record to an even 4-4 for a total of 12 points, or just a point behind third-running Jordan and Iran, which carry 5-3 slates.
Hosting the final window five months from now would definitely give the country's campaign a major push as it seeks a fourth straight appearance in the FIBA World Cup.
The fifth window is slated from Nov. 27-30 in Malaysia where the Philippines tangles with Syria on the 27th. Other games slated on the same date are Iran versus Australia, and Jordan against New Zealand.
On the 30th, Gilas meets Iran anew, while Jordan takes on Australia, and Syria goes up against New Zealand.
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