The qualifiers for the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027 once again demonstrated that the appeal of a national team can still fill major arenas. During five days of competition, a total of 342,700 spectators attended the games marking the start of the second round in Europe, Asia, Africa and the Americas. The figure represents a new attendance record in the history of the World Cup qualifiers and surpasses the mark set during the third qualifying window.
Beyond the overall figure, the data reflects a trend that is being repeated in different parts of the world: decisive games, recognized stars and the possibility of moving closer to the World Cup are attracting thousands of fans. Europe recorded some of the largest crowds, with Greece taking center stage in Athens, while the Philippines once again turned the Mall of Asia Arena into a scene of huge excitement. The response was also significant in the Americas and Africa, where national teams found an additional factor in their home support as they faced a window packed with crucial games.
Europe turns the qualifiers into a mass spectacle
Greece starred in one of the biggest moments of this window in front of 17,677 spectators at the Telekom Center in Athens. The game against Spain ended in a tight 108-106 overtime victory and became the third-highest attendance ever recorded in the European qualifiers. Only two games played in August 2022 had attracted larger crowds: 19,443 fans watched Greece face Belgium, while 19,150 attended the Serbia-Greece game in Belgrade. The sporting context also increased the tension, as the Greeks avoided a fourth consecutive defeat and kept their qualification hopes alive.
The crowd response was repeated in other venues. France welcomed 15,831 fans to the Accor Arena in Paris for their commanding victory over Slovenia, with Victor Wembanyama as the main star thanks to his 22 points, nine rebounds and two blocks. Days later, 14,750 people attended the game between Sweden and France in Stockholm, while 12,401 spectators watched Sweden defeat Finland in Helsinki. Germany also had 15,609 fans at the Lanxess Arena against the Netherlands and later played in front of 10,094 people in Gdansk in a tight game against Poland that ended 96-94 after overtime. Serbia and Latvia completed a series of strong attendances with approximately 12,384 and 12,000 spectators, respectively.
Asia and the Americas keep the stands buzzing
In Asia, the Philippines once again demonstrated just how deeply basketball is embedded in the country’s sporting identity. The Mall of Asia Arena, venue for the final stage of the 2023 World Cup, welcomed 18,308 fans for Gilas’ 68-56 victory over Iran, an attendance that took the venue to 150% capacity according to data provided by FIBA. Kai Sotto delivered an impressive performance with 13 points and 16 rebounds. Days earlier, 15,828 people had once again filled the venue to watch the Philippines defeat Jordan in overtime, 82-81.
The passion was also evident in China, Japan and Qatar. In Zhuji, 12,127 fans supported China in their 89-87 victory over Lebanon, while 7,365 people attended Al Janoub Stadium to watch Qatar face China. In Tokyo, 9,153 spectators filled the Toyota Arena to watch Japan’s 123-70 victory over Qatar, with Rui Hachimura starring after recording 30 points, six rebounds, four assists, three steals and three blocks. In the Americas, Canada welcomed 12,380 fans in Quebec for their game against Argentina and maintained their unbeaten record, while Brazil, Dominican Republic, Chile, Uruguay and Argentina also recorded significant attendances during the window. In Africa, Dakar experienced two particularly intense days, with 4,000 people attending the game against Angola and 7,500 against Mali, amid singing and celebrations that accompanied Senegal’s victories.
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