Türkiye tops FIBA World Cup 2027 European Qualifiers rankings

Türkiye first European side to clinch Qatar spot

Türkiye retained the No. 1 position in FIBA's Smart Power Rankings for the 2027 Basketball World Cup European Qualifiers after becoming the first European team to secure a berth at next year's tournament in Qatar, maintaining a perfect 8-0 record through the opening games of the Second Round. The national team sealed qualification with four fixtures still remaining, dispatching Lithuania 94-66 and Iceland 110-73 during the latest window.

FIBA highlighted the squad's depth by noting the victories came without NBA standout Alperen Sengun. The results extended Türkiye's unbeaten run and reinforced its status as the continent's dominant force heading toward the finals, scheduled for Aug. 27 to Sept. 12, 2027 in Qatar. The national team's best World Cup finish remains the silver medal captured on home soil in 2010.

Germany and Croatia climb rankings

France held second place with a 7-1 record, while reigning world champions Germany moved up two spots to third after improving to 7-1 with a victory over previously unbeaten Poland — handing the Poles their first defeat and dropping them two places to sixth. Serbia slipped one spot to fourth at 6-2 despite winning both games, with Croatia rising to fifth at 7-1 after becoming the first team in qualifying history across all regions to score at least 100 points in four consecutive contests, according to FIBA.

Georgia and Slovenia surge

Ukraine jumped three places to seventh following a 6-2 start, while Spain fell to eighth after losing both games in the latest window. Georgia climbed five spots to 11th with a balanced attack, and Slovenia ascended the same distance to 15th after cutting a 30-point deficit to single digits against France. The next qualifying window opens in November, with the final window set for February and March 2027 ahead of the 24-team finals.