Qatar to host men's basketball World Cup in 2027

Qatar will host the 2027 edition of the men's FIBA Basketball World Cup, the sport's governing body announced, the Middle Eastern nation securing another major sporting event after hosted soccer's showpiece last year.

All games in the 32-team event will be held in the capital city of Doha. The 89th-ranked Qatar team will qualify for the tournament as hosts. They last played in the tournament in 2006, losing all five of their matches.

"We are so proud to be given the opportunity to welcome the Basketball world cup to Qatar," said Olympic committee chief Jasim al-Buaenein.

Al-Buaenein has promised a "special" edition of the event, highlighting Qatar's existing infrastructure and success hosting the football world cup in 2022. 

"Qatar's capital city, Doha, has direct flights from most of the potential participating countries, while the recently upgraded subway and public transportation network connects all venues, providing a top-class service for all visitors," FIBA said in a statement on Friday.

"Additionally, all venues to be used for FIBA's flagship men's event are already constructed, while widely used green technologies will help in delivering the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027 as a carbon-neutral event."

This year's basketball World Cup will be co-hosted by the Philippines, Japan and Indonesia and will run from Aug. 25-Sept. 10.

Reporting by Reuters