The 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup will be the 19th edition of the world of Basketball’s worldwide event. The Championship will involve 32 teams, the second time such a format has been adopted, and it will take place across several countries: the Philippines, Japan, and Indonesia will collectively serve as hosts.

Games are scheduled to take place between August 25 and September 10, 2023.

Among these 32 teams, 8 are the representatives of the Asian continent. These teams are Australia, China, Iran, Japan, Jordan, Lebanon, New Zealand and Philippines.

Ranked 43 in the FIBA Men’s World Ranking, Lebanon is making a comeback to the tournament for the first time since 2010 thanks to their impressive performances in the Asia Qualifiers.

Lebanon became the first Asian team to qualify for the 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup, clinching their qualification ticket with two windows to spare.

The 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup will be the 19th edition of the world of Basketball’s worldwide event. The Championship will involve 32 teams, the second time such a format has been adopted, and it will take place across several countries: the Philippines, Japan, and Indonesia will collectively serve as hosts.

Games are scheduled to take place between August 25 and September 10, 2023.

Among these 32 teams, 8 are the representatives of the Asian continent. These teams are Australia, China, Iran, Japan, Jordan, Lebanon, New Zealand and Philippines.

Ranked 43 in the FIBA Men’s World Ranking, Lebanon is making a comeback to the tournament for the first time since 2010 thanks to their impressive performances in the Asia Qualifiers.

Lebanon became the first Asian team to qualify for the 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup, clinching their qualification ticket with two windows to spare.

In 2013, FIBA forced a ban on the Lebanese Basketball federation preventing its teams from participating in international FIBA events due to political interference in Lebanese basketball. Consequently, Lebanon couldn’t participate in the 2013 FIBA Asia Championship and thus missing the chance to fight for a place at the 2014 World Cup. The ban was lifted in 2014 after the election of a new basketball federation.

Lebanon's most noteworthy victories at the World Cup came against Canada and France, and interestingly, they are set to cross paths with these same two teams in the upcoming matches.

In 2006, Lebanon achieved a stunning victory by defeating France with a narrow score of 74-73. Rony Fahed’s crucial three-pointer with just a minute and a half left to play surprised not only France but also the entire basketball world. The Cedars offered their country one of its most remarkable moments in its sporting history.

After failing to directly qualify for the 2010 FIBA World Championship, Lebanon received a wildcard spot ensuring them a third consecutive appearance.

Lebanon fell short of qualifying to the Round of 16 but their memorable 81-71 victory against Canada remains a cherished topic of conversation among the Lebanese basketball community to this day.

The Pre-Tournament Friendlies

Lebanon played five friendly games prior to the World Championship. They beat Iran and Egypt and lost to Ivory Coast, Mexico, and the University of Arizona at the last check.

Not the results Lebanese fans were expecting, but considering the quality of the Cedars’ roster, they will be hoping for better performances.

Wael Arakji: Lebanon’s basketball superstar. Arakji “El Rahib” – “The Fearsome” is the reigning Asia Cup MVP and the first Arab to be awarded the title in the tournament’s 63-year history. He’s an eight-time Lebanese League Champion and has been successfully leading his country these previous years and will be finally looking to showcase his talent on the world stage. He’s explosive, clinical and decisive.

Omari Spellman: a name that needs no introduction. Spellman was the 30th overall pick in the 2018 NBA Draft. Coach Jad Al-Hajj chose the former NBA’s Golden State Warriors player as the naturalized pick to bolster the roster. A big contribution is expected from the former NBA player.

Amir Saoud: The Sniper. Recovering from an injury, Saoud’s experience and clutch decisions will be much needed.

Paris 2024 Olympics

The FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 offers a valuable opportunity for direct qualification to the Paris 2024 Olympics. The Asian team that performs the best in the World Cup will earn a spot in the qualifying rounds for the Paris Olympics.

Lebanon's hopes of a first Olympic qualification hinge on their performance in Indonesia during the 2023 World Cup.

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The Roster

Wael Arakji – Ali Mansour – Jad Khalil – Ali Mezher – Amir Saoud – Karim Zeinoun – Sergio Darwich – Mark Khoury – Hayk Gyokchian – Karim Ezzedine – Ali Haidar – Omari Spellman

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Group Play Schedule

August 25: Lebanon vs. Latvia (11:15 a.m. UTC+2)

August 27: Lebanon vs. Canada (11:45 a.m. UTC+2)

August 29: Lebanon vs. France (11:45 a.m. UTC+2)

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As the Cedars play their first FIBA World Cup match tomorrow, they stand poised to make history in the tournament, with their sights set on their first-ever Olympics participation.