FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027 Asian Qualifiers
Preview: India vs Lebanon players to watch, prediction, live streaming details | FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027 Asian Qualifiers
(Courtesy : FIBA)
India are already out of contention
The Indian men’s basketball team will take on Lebanon in their sixth and final Group D fixture in the first round of the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027 Asian Qualifiers on Sunday (July 5) at the Nouhad Nawfal Sports Complex, Zouk Mikael, Lebanon.
India enter the contest after suffering defeat against Qatar earlier this week and remain at the bottom of the Group D standings.
With this being their final game of the opening qualification window, the Blue Cagers will be eager to end on a positive note before the next phase of qualifiers resumes.
Lebanon, meanwhile, have been among the strongest teams in the group and will be aiming to maintain their momentum in front of their home supporters as they continue their push towards the second round.
The Asian Qualifiers feature 16 teams divided into four groups, with the top three teams from each group advancing to the second round.
India face another stern challenge against one of Asia’s traditional basketball powerhouses. While Lebanon boast superior depth and international experience, the visitors will hope to produce a spirited performance and finish the window with an improved display.
The two sides last met earlier in the qualifiers, with Lebanon comfortably defeating India. The Blue Cagers will now be hoping to close the gap in the return fixture.
India vs Lebanon match details
- Match: India vs Lebanon
- Tournament: FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027 Asian Qualifiers
- Date: July 5 (Sunday)
- Time: 8:30 pm IST (6:00 pm local time)
- Venue: Nouhad Nawfal Sports Complex, Zouk Mikael, Lebanon
India squad
Pratap Singh Sekhon, Harsh Dagar, Muin Bek Hafeez, Kanwar Gurbaj Singh Sandhu, Princepal Singh, Arvind Kumar Muthukrishnan, Arvinder Singh, Pranav Prince, Tushal Singh, Palpreet Singh Brar, Pratyanshu Tomar, Italia Mirant.
Lebanon squad
Mark Alkhoury, Ater Majok, Amir Saoud, Joseph Abou Samra, Karim Zelnoun, Sergio El Darwich, Ali Mansour, Jihad Elkhatib, Ali Mezher, Karl Zamatta, Gerard Hadidian.
India’s recent performances
India have endured a difficult FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027 Asian Qualifiers campaign, losing all five of their Group D matches so far. The Blue Cagers have suffered defeats against Qatar, Saudi Arabia and Lebanon before falling to Qatar again earlier this week.
Despite the disappointing results, India will be looking to finish the first qualifying window with a stronger performance and build confidence ahead of the next stage of the qualification cycle.
Lebanon’s recent performances
Lebanon have enjoyed another impressive qualifying campaign and remain among the leading contenders in Group D. Their disciplined defence and efficient offence have helped them secure crucial victories, including a dominant win over India earlier in the qualifiers.
Playing at home, Lebanon will be aiming to maintain their winning momentum and strengthen their position heading into the second round.
Players to watch
Muin Bek Hafeez (India)
The young guard continues to be one of India’s most exciting prospects. His ability to attack the basket, create scoring opportunities and contribute from beyond the arc will be crucial if India are to compete with Lebanon.
Wael Arakji (Lebanon)
Lebanon’s captain and star guard remains one of Asia’s premier basketball players. His elite playmaking, scoring ability and leadership make him the biggest threat for the hosts and someone India must contain throughout the contest.
Prediction
Lebanon head into the contest as clear favourites. With a more experienced roster, they possess the quality to control the tempo against a young Indian side.
India are expected to compete with greater intensity than in the previous meeting, but Lebanon’s overall class should ultimately prove decisive.
Prediction: India 64-90 Lebanon
Live details
Unfortunately, the match will not be televised in India.
Fans can watch the live stream on Courtside 1891, FIBA’s official streaming platform. Selected matches will also be available on the official FIBA Basketball YouTube channel (subject to territorial restrictions), while DAZN will stream the game in supported regions.
Where and when will India vs Lebanon match take place at FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027 Asian Qualifiers?
The Group D clash will be played at the Veer Savarkar Indoor Stadium in Ahmedabad on July 5 (Sunday). It is scheduled to begin at 8:30 pm local time.
What is the overall head-to-head record between India and Lebanon in FIBA competitions?
India and Lebanon have met 11 times previously in FIBA competitions. Lebanon have a perfect record with 11 consecutive victories, while India are yet to win a single match.
How can fans watch India vs Lebanon match live?
The match will be streamed live on Courtside 1891 and DAZN platforms.
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Haritmaa Sharma is an aspiring sports journalist with hands-on experience in investigative reporting, digital content creation, and event coverage. Passionate about telling stories that go beyond the scoreboard—especially in cricket, racket sports, grassroots football, and emerging sports narratives.