By Kristel Satumbaga
The International Basketball Federation (FIBA) announced on Monday the official dates for the 2023 World Cup which the country will be co-hosting with Japan and Indonesia.
FIBA confirmed on its website that the global spectacle will take place from Aug. 25 to Sept. 10, 2023.
The competition dates were based upon the approval of FIBA’s Central Board following consultation with the host nations, as well as recommendation from FIBA’s Competitions Commission.
The Group Phase will be competed in the three host countries, with the Final Phase to be played in Manila.
This will be the first time in competition history that the event will be staged in more than one country.
Thirty-two countries from around the world are taking part in the expanded format that was initially used last year with host China staging it in its eight premier cities.
Spain emerged champion in the event after beating long-time rival Argentina.
The qualification process for the 2023 edition will include six windows over a 15-month period across the four regions of Africa, Americas, Asia/Oceania and Europe.
It has already started last February with the holding of the European pre-qualifiers where the best eight teams will qualify to the tournament proper.
Next will be the Americas pre-qualifiers with the top four teams advancing to the next stage.
A total of 80 teams are vying for a spot in the showpiece event.
