Doha, Qatar: The Naismith Trophy will be displayed for the first time in a public space in Doha as the city gears up to host the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027.
The iconic World Cup trophy will take centre stage at the Match for Hope Fan Festival, scheduled to run from January 24 to 31, 2026, at Place Vendôme Mall (Gate 1 Eiffel, second floor) in Lusail. Fans will have the opportunity to see the most desired prize in basketball up close, pose next to it, and take photographs.
The FIBA Basketball World Cup Qatar 2027 Local Organising Committee, in collaboration with the Qatar Basketball Federation (QBF), has partnered with Qatar’s International Media Office (IMO) and Education Above All Foundation (EAA) to deliver a unique basketball fan engagement experience.
Running for eight consecutive days, the festival will allow fans to test their skills on an official FIBA World Cup 3x3 basketball court under the guidance of Qatar National Team technical staff. Activities will include shooting contests and skill challenges, with prizes on offer such as tickets to upcoming Qatar National Team matches in the FIBA Basketball World Cup Asian Qualifiers Window 2.
The highlight of the basketball programme will be the 3x3 All Star Game on January 28, 2026, featuring national team players from Qatar and Lebanon, alongside prominent international content creators are traveling to Doha for the event.
Basketball activities at the festival will tip off on January 24 with performances by school teams participating in the Mini World Cup. On the same day, members of Qatar’s National Women’s Basketball Team will visit the festival to interact with fans.
Match for Hope is an annual charity football event held in Doha, bringing together football legends and popular content creators. Proceeds from the initiative support access to quality education for disadvantaged youth across the Middle East, Asia, and Africa. Since 2024, the initiative has raised more than $19.5 million, positively impacting thousands of children. This year’s Match for Hope football match will take place on January 30, 2026, at Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium.
Executive Director of the Sport Directorate at the FIBA Basketball World Cup Qatar 2027 Local Organising Committee, Saadoun Sabah Al-Kuwari said education remains a key priority for the Qatar Basketball Federation.
“We firmly believe that basketball can be used to raise awareness of the right to education. The Qatar National Team, one of the strongest teams in Asia, is excited to be part of the basketball activation at the Match for Hope Fan Festival,” he said.
“We invite the basketball community across Qatar to visit the festival and take part in all the activities.” Al-Kuwari added.
