Doha: The Naismith Trophy will be displayed for the first time in a public space in Doha, the host of the next FIBA Basketball World Cup in 2027.
The World Cup trophy will take centre stage at the Match for Hope Fan Festival, set to take place from January 24-31, 2026 at Place Vendome Mall (Gate 1 Eiffel, 2nd floor) in Lusail.
All fans will have the opportunity to witness the most coveted prize in basketball, stand proudly next to it and take a picture.
The FIBA Basketball World Cup Qatar 2027 Local Organizing Committee and the Qatar Basketball Federation (QBF) have joined forces with Qatar’s International Media Office (IMO) and Education Above All Foundation (EAA) to create a unique basketball fan engagement experience.
The Match for Hope Fan Festival will run for eight consecutive days. Basketball fans are going to have the opportunity to test their skills playing in an official World Cup 3×3 basketball court, coached by Qatar National Team technical staff, participate in shooting contests and can earn prizes, including tickets for Qatar’s National Team upcoming games in FIBA Basketball World Cup Asian Qualifiers Window 2.
The highlight of the basketball activation at the Match for Hope Fan Festival will be the 3×3 All Star Game on the January 28, 2026 with the participation of Qatar and Lebanon’s National Team players and famous content creators that will travel to Doha.
The basketball activation at the Match for Hope Fan Festival will tip off on the January 24, 2026 with exciting performances of the school teams that participate at the Mini World Cup, and Qatar’s National Women’s basketball Team will visit the Fan Festival the same day to meet with the fans.
Match for Hope is a charity football match that is held annually in Doha. Football legends and famous content creators participate in this admirable effort. All the proceeds go to support quality education for disadvantaged young people across the Middle East, Asia and Africa. Since 2024, Match for Hope has raised over $19.5 million, giving thousands of children hope for a brighter future. This year the Match for Hope will take place on the January 30, 2026 at Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium.
FIBA Basketball World Cup Qatar 2027 LOC Executive Director of Sport Directorate Saadoun Sabah Al-Kuwari said: “Education is one of the priorities for Qatar Basketball Federation. We firmly believe that basketball can be used to raise awareness for the right to education. Qatar National Team is one of the very best in Asia and our star players are excited with the opportunity to be part of the basketball activation at the Match for Hope Fan Festival. We extend an invitation to the basketball community of our great country to visit the Fan Festival and take part in all the activities”.
