Like FIFA, FIBA has decided in recent years to increase the number of teams participating in the World Cup, and even in qualifying. As in 2019, there were 32 participants in Asia, while 80 nations took part in the qualifiers. For the International Federation, the podium of the competition, with notable absentees (Spain, United States, France, etc.) and surprises (Germany, Canada) is the direct result of this desire for openness and this renewal of forces .
Compared to 2019, only two nations (Serbia and United States) were still present in the quarter-finals, and it must be remembered that Argentina, finalist four years ago, was not even qualified, while France took the door on the first lap.
Nine nations were not there in 2019
“Diversity is a good thing”, believes Andreas Zagklisthe general secretary of FIBA. “It is good because it is synonymous with competitiveness. It is excellent if it is accompanied by a constantly higher level of play. What we have achieved is that we have achieved greater richness in the list of countries. Nine of the 32 countries that participated in this World Cup had not played in the previous World Cup. »
This is the case of Latvia, which finished 5th, but also of South Sudan which validated its ticket for the 2024 Olympic Games.
“The decision to open qualifying to 80 teams has changed world basketball for men”concludes Andreas Zagklis. ” There is no doubt. I think we saw some very high level basketball. »
