While the Philippines and Japan have been given outright tickets to the 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup, the other co-host of the prestigious tournament — Indonesia — has been made to earn its ticket.
According to a press release sent by FIBA, Indonesia will get to play in the said tournament if it finishes in the top eight of the 2021 FIBA Asia Cup. The decision came from the FIBA's Executive Committee.
The FIBA Asia Cup 2021 is Asia and Oceania's premier men's national team competition that takes place every four years. For the first time ever, national teams need to qualify for the competition through a number of home and away qualifiers, which started in February this year. The FIBA Asia Cup 2021 will take place from August 17 to 29, with a total of 16 teams.
So far, Indonesia has not done well, losing to Korea, 109-76, and to the Gilas Pilipinas, 100-70. It currently trails the aforementioned countries in Group A. Ironically, Indonesia is being coached by former Gilas mentor, Rajko Toroman.
Only two teams from the group will advance outright to the 2021 Fiba Asia Cup with the third-placers from the six groups vying for the final two spots.
Fiba usually gives automatic qualification to the hosts but that will not be the case since for the first time in tournament history, three countries are sharing hosting duties. The Group Phase will take place in Indonesia, Japan and the Philippines, with the Final Phase to follow in Manila.
The FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 will once again feature 32 national teams from around the world, with the expanded format adopted for the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2019 in China, FIBA's biggest event to date.
Qualification for the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 will take place from November 2021 to February 2023, with 80 national teams competing for a spot in the World Cup. (JNP)