The Ukrainian men’s national basketball team secured a confident 95-76 victory over Georgia in Riga in their nominal home qualifier for the 2027 World Cup. In the other match of their group, Spain dominated Denmark 109-81.
With this win, Ukraine has qualified in advance for the second stage of the 2027 World Cup qualifiers.
Moreover, the Ukrainians have guaranteed themselves second place in Group A at the conclusion of the first qualifying stage. While they will not catch Spain, they have become unreachable for Denmark and Georgia, whom they have defeated twice in this qualification.
Ukraine will complete the first stage with an away game against Denmark on Sunday, July 5. It is important to note that all results from the first stage carry over to the next round, so the match against Denmark remains crucial in the fight for a World Cup spot.
It is worth recalling that in the second (final) stage, the top three teams from Group A will join the three best teams from Group B.
Today in Group B, Romania caused a shock by beating Greece 73-66, handing the Greeks their second loss in the 2027 World Cup qualifiers, while Montenegro secured a hard-fought 72-68 victory over Portugal.
With one round remaining in the first stage, the standings in Group B are as follows:
Greece — 3 wins, 2 losses;
Montenegro — 3 wins, 2 losses;
Portugal — 2 wins, 3 losses;
Romania — 2 wins, 3 losses.
In the final round, Greece will host Portugal, while Montenegro will play Romania at home.
According to the format, in the second stage teams will not face opponents from their initial group again but will play two matches against each of the three new opponents.
The second stage match windows are scheduled as follows:
After the second stage concludes, the top three teams from each group will earn qualification for the 2027 World Cup, which will be held in Qatar.
