The road to the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027 begins with high-stakes drama in the Asian Qualifiers, and the draw has delivered some can't-miss matchups right in the First Round. Here are the top five games to circle as the battle for qualification tips off, featuring powerhouse clashes, regional rivalries, and redemption stories.

Australia vs New Zealand (Group A): This classic rivalry marks a new chapter. Though it's their first clash in the World Cup Qualifiers, the Boomers and Tall Blacks have a long and storied history, meeting 59 times in back-to-back Asia Cup Semi-Finals, Asia Cup Qualifiers, Oceania championships, and Olympic Qualifiers. Australia has dominated the series, but New Zealand shocked them in 2018 with a 108-98 win in the Asia Cup 2022 Qualifiers. This is more than a group game - it's a battle for Oceania basketball supremacy.

Philippines vs New Zealand (Group A): This has quietly become one of the region's most intriguing modern matchups. The Philippines and New Zealand have met six times since 2016, including five times in the past three years across all Qualifiers from the Asia Cup, World Cup, and Olympics as well as the Asia Cup itself in 2022. Even before the World Cup Qualifiers tipoff, these two teams will certainly be facing each other in the Group Phase of the upcoming Asia Cup 2025. New Zealand holds a 5-1 edge, winning most by double digits, but the Philippines claimed a breakthrough 93–89 win in their most recent meeting late last year, potentially shifting the tide. This game could be pivotal for qualification.

Japan vs China (Group B): One of Asia’s most historic rivalries is heating up again. China and Japan have clashed 21 times in major FIBA competitions, from Asia Cups to World Cup Qualifiers and the Olympics. China dominated the head-to-head for decades, winning every game since losing in the 1936 Olympics, until February last year when Japan snapped the streak in a statement win during the Asia Cup 2025 Qualifiers. With both teams eyeing top seeding in Group B, this game has pride and momentum written all over it as China will surely want to exact some revenge.

Iran vs Jordan (Group C): These are two physical, battle-tested teams with history on the line. Iran and Jordan have played each other ten times in the Asia Cup, with Iran winning seven. Notable victories for Iran include a gritty 60–54 win in 2007, a 77–75 Semi-Final victory in 2009, and a dominant 94–50 Quarter-Final win in 2013. However, Jordan has had their moments, including a stunning 88–84 Quarter-Final win in 2011 onwards to a Final appearance and a statement 91–76 blowout in the 2022 Asia Cup for the Semi-Finalists. This one’s a rivalry of momentum swings, and both teams know what’s at stake.

Lebanon vs Qatar (Group D): This matchup is packed with history and future implications. Qatar and Lebanon have faced off in major regional tournaments for decades, including the 2003 Asia Cup where Qatar denied Lebanon a second straight trip to the Final. Like the Philippines and New Zealand, these two teams will also be guaranteed of a clash before the World Cup Qualifiers as they were drawn to the same group in Asia Cup 2025. Qatar now takes the global spotlight as the host of the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027, and they'll want to show they can compete with the region's best. Lebanon, still riding the wave of a runner-up finish at Asia Cup 2022, won’t be handing over any ground easily.