Building Up for the 2027 World Cup: Ukraine’s Preparations
The Ukrainian men’s basketball squad is gearing up for the 2027 World Cup qualifiers, scheduled for June and July 2026. As part of their buildup, the team will face Angola and Lithuania in friendly matches, followed by official games against Georgia and Denmark. These contests represent a critical phase for Ukraine as they push to secure a spot at the global championship.
Upcoming Matches and Recent Results
Ukraine’s friendly against Angola is set for June 25, 2026, in Riga, with a match against Lithuania taking place on June 28, 2026, in Šiauliai. On July 2, 2026, Ukraine will host Georgia in a nominal home game, and on July 5, 2026, they will travel to face Denmark. These games are part of a qualifying cycle where Ukraine has already played several important fixtures.
In earlier qualifiers, Ukraine suffered two losses to Spain, with scores of 64:78 and 66:86. However, they bounced back in the second round with an 88:71 victory over Denmark, and earlier defeated Georgia 92:79. A standout performance came from Oleksandr Kovliar, who scored 31 points in 37 minutes during the win against Georgia.
- Oleksandr Lypovyi contributed 13 points.
- Viacheslav Bobrov recorded a double-double with 11 points and 15 rebounds.
Overall, the Ukrainian men’s basketball team is intensifying its preparations for the crucial qualifiers, aiming for success in the upcoming matches.
Current results and team preparations highlight Ukraine’s serious commitment to the World Cup qualifying campaign. Despite losses to Spain, victories over Georgia and Denmark showcase the squad’s potential.
The friendlies against Angola and Lithuania will help the team reinforce their strengths and address weaknesses before the official games. It is vital for Ukraine to maintain their upward trajectory, as success in the qualifiers would mark a major milestone for Ukrainian basketball.