The FIBA U18 Asia Cup 2026 starts on August 13 at the Veer Savarkar Indoor Stadium in Ahmedabad, India. Over 11 days, 16 teams will fight for the continental crown and a place at the U19 World Cup.
Australia return as defending champions, while India will look to make the most of their home advantage. Meanwhile, several strong Asian teams enter the tournament with hopes of making a deep knockout-stage run.
Here is everything you need to know about the tournament, from the schedule to the key players and live coverage.
FIBA U18 Asia Cup 2026: Key Tournament Details
The road to the title begins with 16 teams, one host venue and a major World Cup opportunity.
Here are the key details of the FIBA U18 Asia Cup 2026:
| Tournament Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Competition | FIBA U18 Asia Cup 2026 |
| Dates | August 13–23, 2026 |
| Host Country | India |
| Host City | Ahmedabad |
| Venue | Veer Savarkar Indoor Stadium |
| Teams | 16 |
| Defending Champions | Australia |
| 2024 Runners-up | New Zealand |
| World Cup Qualification | Top four teams |
| FIBA U19 World Cup | 2027, Czechia |
FIBA U18 Asia Cup 2026 Schedule
All matches of the FIBA U18 Asia Cup 2026 will take place at the Veer Savarkar Indoor Stadium in Ahmedabad, India. The group stage runs from August 13 to 18 before the knockout rounds begin on August 20.
Here is the complete FIBA U18 Asia Cup 2026 schedule:
| Day and Date | Matches | Time (IST/GMT) |
|---|---|---|
| Thursday, August 13 | Australia vs Thailand Chinese Taipei vs Philippines New Zealand vs Syria Lebanon vs Bahrain | 10:30 AM / 5:00 AM 1:30 PM / 8:00 AM 4:30 PM / 11:00 AM 7:30 PM / 2:00 PM |
| Friday, August 14 | China vs Sri Lanka Iran vs Qatar South Korea vs Kazakhstan Japan vs India | 10:30 AM / 5:00 AM 1:30 PM / 8:00 AM 4:30 PM / 11:00 AM 7:30 PM / 2:00 PM |
| Saturday, August 15 | Philippines vs Australia Thailand vs Chinese Taipei Bahrain vs New Zealand Syria vs Lebanon | 10:30 AM / 5:00 AM 1:30 PM / 8:00 AM 4:30 PM / 11:00 AM 7:30 PM / 2:00 PM |
| Sunday, August 16 | Qatar vs China Sri Lanka vs Iran Kazakhstan vs Japan India vs South Korea | 10:30 AM / 5:00 AM 1:30 PM / 8:00 AM 4:30 PM / 11:00 AM 7:30 PM / 2:00 PM |
| Monday, August 17 | Australia vs Chinese Taipei Philippines vs Thailand New Zealand vs Lebanon Bahrain vs Syria | 10:30 AM / 5:00 AM 1:30 PM / 8:00 AM 4:30 PM / 11:00 AM 7:30 PM / 2:00 PM |
| Tuesday, August 18 | China vs Iran Qatar vs Sri Lanka South Korea vs Japan India vs Kazakhstan | 10:30 AM / 5:00 AM 1:30 PM / 8:00 AM 4:30 PM / 11:00 AM 7:30 PM / 2:00 PM |
| Thursday, August 20 | Second Group A vs Third Group B Second Group B vs Third Group A Second Group C vs Third Group D Second Group D vs Third Group C | 10:30 AM / 5:00 AM 1:30 PM / 8:00 AM 4:30 PM / 11:00 AM 7:30 PM / 2:00 PM |
| Friday, August 21 | Quarter-final 1 Quarter-final 2 Quarter-final 3 Quarter-final 4 | TBD TBD TBD TBD |
| Saturday, August 22 | Classification 5–8 Classification 5–8 Semi-final 1 Semi-final 2 | TBD TBD TBD TBD |
| Sunday, August 23 | Classification 7–8 Classification 5–6 Third-place play-off Final | TBD TBD TBD TBD |
FIBA U18 Asia Cup 2026 Format
The FIBA U18 Asia Cup 2026 starts with a six-day group stage from August 13 to 18. During this phase, the 16 teams will compete in four groups, with four games each day.
The 16 teams are divided into four groups of four, and each team will play three games. Their final group positions will then determine their route into the knockout stage.
The group winners will move straight into the quarter-finals. Meanwhile, teams that finish second or third will get another chance through the Qualification to Quarter-Finals games on August 20.
From there, the tournament moves into the quarter-finals on August 21. The winners will reach the semi-finals on August 22, while the losing teams will enter the 5–8 classification round.
Finally, August 23 will decide the tournament’s finishing order. The day will feature the classification games and third-place play-off before the Final crowns the FIBA U18 Asia Cup 2026 champion.
FIBA U18 Asia Cup 2026: Teams and Groups
The confirmed squad lists are now available for several teams ahead of the FIBA U18 Asia Cup 2026. India have also announced their official 12-player roster, adding to the confirmed list.
Here are the teams and the groups for the FIBA U18 Asia Cup 2026:
| Group A | Group B | Group C | Group D |
|---|---|---|---|
| Australia | New Zealand | People’s Republic of China | India |
| Chinese Taipei | Lebanon | Islamic Republic of Iran | Republic of Korea |
| Philippines | Bahrain | Qatar | Japan |
| Thailand | Syria | Sri Lanka | Kazakhstan |
FIBA U18 Asia Cup 2026: Confirmed Squads
The confirmed squad lists are now available for several teams ahead of the FIBA U18 Asia Cup 2026. India have also announced their official 12-player roster, adding to the confirmed list.
Here are the confirmed squads for the FIBA U18 Asia Cup 2026:
| Team | Confirmed Rosters |
|---|---|
| Australia | Riak Akhuar, John Aryang, Yahya Basaran, Antonio Browne, Harry Cook, Curtis Evic, Jai F’ale, William Hamilton, Bailey Hanson, Josh McCann, Isaac Riddle, Marley Sam |
| Bahrain | Rayan Mujtaba, Mahdi Habib, Ali Ayman, Hussain Fuad, Yousif Yagoob, Mohamed Farhan, Adel Mohamed, Ali Khalil, Hassan Abdulkadir, Somto Patrick, Ali Ferdousi, Divine Abochi |
| India | Aakash Iyappan, Abhyupang Mishra, Arman, Adithya Vittal Shenoi, Harshan Yatish Babu, Joypreet Singh Sidhu, Khushnaz Singh Baidwan, Krishna Suneriya, Piyush Choudhary, Ansh Tomer, Ronaldo Allen Hopkins, Shekhar Rathe |
| Japan | Eishin Konno, Cayman Tsuneoka, Yousef Hasan Thompson, Tetta Sakurai, Kaito Nakamura, Alex McMillian, Aru Takahashi, Hiromasa Fujiwara, Roi Honda, Kenichiro Benedict, Chuson Jack Shiratani, Fumiya Nakamura |
| Lebanon | Thierry Derjani, Ray Ghosn, Charbel El Herrera, Omar Machmouchi, Jay Khalil, Jad Hammoud, Roberto Rizk, Mateo El Khoury, Jeffry Khairallah, Johnnu Sawma, Alexandre Chahoud, Tony Kiwan |
| New Zealand | Cooper Adams, Jackson Ball, Aubrey Chunga, Cole Hopoi, Hoani Ifopo-Togia, Kingston Kailahi-Aso, Josh Kelly, Harry Kelso, Arana Robertson, Hunter Savill, Cooper Te Ratana, Phil Wickham |
| Philippines | Ethan Aguas, Luke Atacador, JB Cagurangan, Prince Carino, Andrew Chio, Elias Gish, Aidan Green, Jacob Lacson, Chog Moral, Patrick Pasinos, Siczco Roquid, Bruce Tubongbanua |
Note: China, Chinese Taipei, Iran, Kazakhstan, Korea, Qatar, Sri Lanka, Syria, and Thailand had not confirmed their final squads for the tournament. Their player lists are expected to be announced or confirmed before the group phase begins.
Also, the confirmed squads listed above are taken from the official FIBA U18 Asia Cup website.
The listed squads could still change before the tournament begins. The remaining player lists are expected to be finalised during the technical meetings ahead of the group phase.
FIBA U18 Asia Cup 2026 Venue
The Veer Savarkar Indoor Stadium in Ahmedabad will host the FIBA U18 Asia Cup 2026. This marks India’s return as host after 22 years, with the country last staging the event in Bengaluru in 2004. India had also hosted the tournament in Kolkata in 1998.
The tournament will take place inside the complex’s Indoor Multi-Sports Arena, which features full climate control and professional wooden court flooring. The arena can accommodate more than 5,000 spectators, giving fans a proper setting to watch the competition.
The wider sports complex covers 1,19,000 m² and offers several facilities for players, officials and spectators. These include dedicated athlete changing rooms, warm-up courts, media centres and parking for more than 900 vehicles.
Who Are the Reigning Champions of the FIBA U18 Asia Cup 2026?
Australia enters the FIBA U18 Asia Cup 2026 as the defending champions after dominating the 2024 edition in Jordan. The Emus completed a perfect six-game run and finished the tournament without a defeat.
They sealed the title with a commanding 96–33 victory over New Zealand in the final. It was Australia’s second U18 Asia Cup title, following their first triumph in 2018, when they also defeated New Zealand.
Now, Australia will aim to defend their crown and complete back-to-back titles. China were the last team to achieve that feat, winning consecutive editions in 2010 and 2012, with their second title coming in Mongolia.
FIBA U18 Asia Cup 2026: Players to Watch
The tournament will feature several young players who can change games at both ends of the court. Among them, Australia and Bahrain bring proven performers, while China could have an intriguing talent in its lineup.
With China yet to confirm its final squad, Li Junxian is still expected to be part of the team and play a leading role. Here are the top three players or pairings worth watching closely in Ahmedabad.
Yahya Basaran
Australia will look to Yahya Basaran for a strong presence inside as they defend their title. At 2.14m (7’0″), the 17-year-old brings unusual size to the tournament and can create difficult matchups around the basket.
His recent international experience also gives him an edge. At the FIBA U17 Basketball World Cup 2026 in Türkiye, Basaran averaged 9.6 points, 7.6 rebounds and 2.3 blocks in 20.1 minutes per game.
He also helped Australia claim the bronze medal after a 77–69 win over Türkiye in the third-place game. That experience should make him one of Australia’s key players in the U18 Asia Cup.
Somto Patrick and Hassan Abdulkadir
Bahrain will rely heavily on Somto Patrick and Hassan Abdulkadir, who return after making a strong impact at the FIBA U16 Asia Cup last year in Mongolia. The duo helped Bahrain reach the quarter-finals, ending the program’s 12-year wait for a place in the last eight.
Their numbers showed just how influential they were. Patrick averaged 22.3 points and 14.8 rebounds, while Abdulkadir posted 22.3 points and 15.7 rebounds, with both players recording double-double averages.
Moving up to the U18 level will bring a tougher challenge. Still, if the pair can carry that production into Ahmedabad, Bahrain could become a difficult team to handle.
Li Junxian
China have not yet confirmed their final squad, but Li Junxian is expected to feature and take on an important role. He already showed his value during China’s run at the EABA Qualifiers in Japan in June.
Li averaged 13.0 points, 8.0 rebounds and 1.25 blocks across four games while playing 21 minutes per contest. China finished the qualifiers with a 3–1 record, and Li’s work around the post played an important part in that campaign.
His ability to score inside and protect the rim makes him an interesting player to watch if he joins China’s U18 Asia Cup squad.
FIBA U18 Asia Cup 2026: Games to Watch
The group stage already offers several matchups with history, rivalry and plenty of intrigue. Some games could settle old scores, while others will give fans a first look at teams returning after long gaps.
Here are three group-stage games that stand out ahead of the FIBA U18 Asia Cup 2026.
Chinese Taipei vs Philippines
The opening-day meeting between Chinese Taipei and the Philippines brings a closely matched rivalry into focus. The two teams have met six times in the U18 Asia Cup, with both sides winning three games each.
Their most recent meeting came in the 2022 edition in Iran, where the Philippines secured a 72–67 win during the classification rounds. Mason Amos led the way with 21 points and six rebounds, giving the Philippines their second straight victory over Chinese Taipei.
Chinese Taipei last beat the Philippines in the 2016 edition, winning 88–74 in the group phase. With their overall record level at 3–3, this latest meeting could give either side the edge in their head-to-head history.
Bahrain vs Lebanon
Bahrain and Lebanon will meet for the first time in the U18 Asia Cup, but there is already some recent history between the two programs. They faced each other in the FIBA U16 Asia Cup 2025 in Mongolia.
Bahrain edged that group-stage contest 70–68, with Somto Patrick and Hassan Abdulkadir leading the Gulf side. Lebanon will now get an opportunity to respond, with several of the same young players expected to feature again in Ahmedabad.
That previous result adds another layer to this matchup. Bahrain will want to build on its earlier success, while Lebanon can turn this meeting into an early chance for payback.
China vs Sri Lanka
China begin their campaign against Sri Lanka, who are set to make their return to the U18 Asia Cup after a long absence. The matchup therefore carries significance for both teams, but for very different reasons.
Sri Lanka will make their first appearance in the competition in 16 years. Their last outing came in 2010, when they finished 14th, while China went on to win that edition.
Now, Sri Lanka return as the SABA Qualifiers runners-up and will look to make a stronger impression. China, meanwhile, will start as the more established program and will expect to set the tone early.
FIBA U18 Asia Cup 2026: What Is at Stake?
The FIBA U18 Asia Cup 2026 offers more than a chance to lift the continental trophy. The teams are also competing for a place on one of youth basketball’s biggest international stages.
The eventual winner will be crowned U18 Asia Cup champion and lead the Asian contingent at the next major global youth competition. However, the biggest reward extends beyond the title itself.
The four teams reaching the semi-finals will secure qualification for the FIBA U19 Basketball World Cup 2027. The tournament will take place in Pardubice, Czechia, from June 26 to July 4, 2027, giving the semi-finalists a direct route to the global stage.
How to Buy Tickets For The FIBA U18 Asia Cup 2026
Fans can attend every session of the FIBA U18 Asia Cup 2026 without paying an entry fee. However, free entry does not mean fans can simply arrive at the arena without registering first.
You must complete the digital pre-registration process and secure a QR code before heading to the venue. The official ticketing platform is powered by BFI Ticmint, which handles the free passes for the tournament.
How to Get Your Free Tickets
- Visit the official BFI Ticmint ticketing portal.
- Choose your preferred match day or group-stage session.
- Claim your free pass and generate your unique QR code.
- Show the QR code on your smartphone at the arena entrance for entry.
How to Watch the FIBA U18 Asia Cup 2026 Live in India?
You can watch the FIBA U18 Asia Cup 2026 live on FIBA’s official YouTube channel. All games will be streamed there, making it the main online option for Indian viewers.
However, broadcast restrictions may apply in some areas. So, it is worth checking local listings and announcements from the national federation before the games begin.
For the latest results, match information and tournament updates, fans can also follow the official FIBA U18 Asia Cup 2026 website and @asiacup on social media.
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Conclusion
The FIBA U18 Asia Cup 2026 brings together 16 teams with a clear goal: win the continental title and earn a place at the U19 World Cup.
With Australia defending its crown and several teams arriving with strong young talent, the competition should be tight from the opening game.
For India, hosting the tournament adds another layer to the occasion. The home side will have the chance to test itself against some of Asia’s strongest youth programs while playing in front of its own fans.
As the group stage gets underway, every game will matter. So, keep an eye on the tournament and make sure you don’t miss a single game as the teams battle for the title and a place at the U19 World Cup.
