🏀🇱🇧 Lebanon Return Home for a Crucial Test Against India in Window 2 of FIBA World Cup 2027 Qualifiers

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 The road to the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027 continues, and the Lebanese National Team is set to take another important step when they host India at Nouhad Nawfal Sports Complex in Zouq Mikael as part of Window 2 of the Asian Qualifiers.

After a mixed start in Window 1 against Qatar — one win and one loss — Lebanon now turns its focus toward maintaining momentum and protecting home court, something the Cedars have historically done very well.

This upcoming game against India represents more than just another fixture. It is an opportunity to assert identity, correct mistakes from the previous window, and strengthen Lebanon’s position in Group D.

Source: FIBA


A Familiar Matchup with Positive History

Recent history strongly favors Lebanon in this matchup.

Lebanon has won all recent official encounters against India, including:

• 103–74 win in the 2023 Asian Qualifiers

• 95–63 win in India in 2022

These results underline a clear trend: when Lebanon plays with discipline and intensity, the gap in quality becomes evident.

Numbers Tell a Clear Story

Team comparisons from the qualifiers so far highlight Lebanon’s advantage in several key areas:

• Points per game: Lebanon 79 — India 54

• Rebounds per game: Lebanon 45 — India 41

• Assists per game: Lebanon 19 — India 16

• 2-point shooting: Lebanon 53.5% — India 32.6%

• 3-point shooting: Lebanon 23.7% — India 19.2%

• Free throws: Lebanon 72.2% — India 69.6%

Source: FIBA


Lebanon’s efficiency inside the arc stands out the most. Scoring in the paint and converting high-percentage looks has been a major strength, while India has struggled to finish around the basket.

Another important edge for Lebanon is fast-break production and points in the paint, where the Cedars generate significantly more offense.

Lebanon’s Pillars

As always, Lebanon’s hopes will be built around its core leaders:

Wael Arakji

The heartbeat of the team. Elite shot creator, fearless closer, and the player who can change a game’s rhythm within minutes. When Arakji is aggressive, Lebanon becomes extremely difficult to guard.

Sergio Darwich

A steady two-way guard who brings defensive toughness, ball movement, and perimeter shooting. His ability to space the floor and guard multiple positions is vital.

Youssef Khayat

Energy, athleticism, and versatility. Khayat’s activity on both ends, whether attacking closeouts or defending wings, gives Lebanon another dimension.

Surrounded by experienced role players and a system that emphasizes ball movement, this trio forms the backbone of Lebanon’s identity.

Source: Courtside


What Lebanon Must Do

Despite being favorites, this is not a game to approach casually.

Lebanon must:

• Set the defensive tone early

• Control the rebounding battle

• Push the pace in transition

• Avoid unnecessary turnovers

India has shown that it can generate points off turnovers and second-chance opportunities. Discipline will be key.

Bigger Than One Game

With qualification windows being short and unforgiving, every win matters.

A strong performance against India would:

• Strengthen Lebanon’s group standing

• Build confidence ahead of tougher matchups

• Reinforce home-court dominance

More importantly, it would send a message that Lebanon remains one of Asia’s most reliable and competitive national teams.


On paper, Lebanon holds the advantage.

In history, Lebanon holds the advantage.

Now it’s about execution.

With Arakji leading, Darwich organizing, and Khayat injecting energy, the Cedars will look to deliver a convincing performance in front of their fans and take another solid step toward World Cup qualification.

All eyes on Zouq Mikael. 🇱🇧🔥

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