- 08:50
Ranked 30th in the FIBA standings, Lebanon enters Window 1 ahead of Saudi Arabia (64th), India (76th) and Qatar (83rd). The objective is clear: secure a second consecutive World Cup qualification, reach a fifth appearance on the global stage, and turn this theoretical advantage into real points from the very first games.
Their last official meeting was in the group stage of the 2025 Asia Cup, where Lebanon edged Qatar 84–80 after a fierce battle. Now comes a high-pressure double clash:
Game 1 on Thursday, November 27 at 6:00 pm at the Lusail Multipurpose Hall in Doha, and
Game 2 on Sunday, November 30 at 9:00 pm (Beirut time) at the Nohad Nawfal Sports Complex in Zouk Mikael.
As host nation of the 2027 World Cup, Qatar is ramping up its level, relying on physical density and tempo control.
Structure in place, methods defined
The delegation took off from Beirut on Tuesday afternoon, led by:
Head of mission Maroun Jebrayel, team manager Walid Yammout, head coach Ahmad Farran with assistants Jovan Gorec and Charalambos Kaitanzidis, Dr. Alfred Khoury (medical), Razmik Bojokian (physio), and conditioning coaches Pierre Felfli and Tony Abou Atmeh. Logistics are handled by Elie Nasrallah.
On the court: Amir Saoud, Wael Arakji, Jad Khalil, Ali Mezher, Karim Zeinoun, Sergio El Darwich, Mark Khoueiry, Youssef Khayat, Jihad El-Khatib, Ali Haidar, Gerard Hadidian and Dedric Lawson.
The announced game plan: clean possessions, secured rebounding, minimal turnovers, and a tight rotation of eight to nine productive players.
India as the outsider
India has never won a World Cup Qualifier game (0–6 then 0–10 in the 2019 and 2023 cycles) but can disrupt the rhythm if Lebanon’s defense does not stop their first intentions.
Saudi Arabia will rely on Mohammad Alsuwailem (2.08 m), a dominant rim presence during the 2025 Asia Cup thanks to his rebounding, shot deterrence and efficiency.
Against Qatar, expect a physical and tactical matchup, with extended rotations designed to wear down Lebanon’s backcourt.
Khayat–El-Khatib: the barometer duo
At 22, Youssef Khayat brings length, pace, and confidence in rhythm shooting.
Jihad El-Khatib makes his senior-level debut with a simple mission: provide useful minutes, defend cleanly and keep mistakes limited.
If the young guns deliver, Lebanon gains depth and versatility.
Keys to Window 1: tempo, rebounding, free throws
In Doha, Lebanon must quiet the home crowd’s adrenaline and impose controlled half-court sequences.
In Zouk Mikael, they must harness the energy of the Lebanese fans and win the free-throw battle.
The details will decide everything: defensive rebounding, turnovers, and efficiency at the line. That’s where qualification gets locked in.
Tickets and schedule
The November 30 home game in Zouk Mikael is expected to draw heavy demand, with ticketing already open since Monday.
Until then, all focus shifts to Doha — start the machine, set the tone, and establish dominance in Group D.
Score points in the opener, remove all doubts in the return leg.
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