Slovenia advance in FIBA World Cup qualifiers, but face uphill battle

Slovenia advance in FIBA World Cup qualifiers, but face uphill battle after a difficult start to the qualifying phase. The Slovenian men’s national team lost 88–79 at home to Sweden in the final round of the first qualifying stage for the 2027 FIBA World Cup on Monday, 07 July, in Ljubljana. Despite the back-to-back defeats, Slovenia still progressed to the final qualifying stage. The result means they will now need to improve to compete against stronger opposition in the next phase. Sweden’s win, achieved in the decisive home match, added momentum heading into the later rounds.