The FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027 Asian Qualifiers match-up between China and Chinese Taipei on March 1 will be hosted by the Philippines.
No less than the FIBA website indicated that the game will be held at the Mall of Asia Arena in what looked like a doubleheader for that day at the Pasay venue.
The China-Chinese Taipei match is set at 4 p.m. with the game of Gilas Pilipinas against Australia to be held right after at 7:30 p.m.
Chinese Taipei is designated as the host of the match-up, but the country has been in conflict with China since the 1940s, perhaps the biggest reason why it is being held at a neutral side.
Upon checking, Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas executive director Erika Dy said the China vs Chinese Taipei match-up will indeed be likely held on that date.
However, she added that there is still things to be ironed out including clearance from the Department of Foreign Affairs.
From a basketball standpoint, however, Philippine basketball fans will be in for a treat if the doubleheader comes into fruition.
China is acknowledged as one of the strong teams in the region, while Chinese Taipei has been on the rise, and even defeated the Philippines during the FIBA Asia Cup 2025 qualifiers and the actual tournament.
China and Chinese Taipei, though, are both winless in Group B after two matches in the World Cup qualifiers.
