India is set to host the FIBA U18 Asia Cup 2026 in Ahmedabad from August 13 to 23, 2026, as confirmed by the FIBA Regional Office-Asia. This marks the third time that India will host the premier youth basketball tournament in Asia. Ahmedabad, known as one of India’s rapidly growing sports cities, will welcome 16 top U18 national teams from Asia and Oceania for this biennial event.
Ahmedabad, with the world’s largest cricket stadium, is also in the running to host the 2030 Commonwealth Games and bidding for the 2036 Olympics, solidifying its position as a key international sports hub. India previously hosted the FIBA U18 Asia Cup in Bengaluru in 2004 and Kolkata in 1998, both of which were significant events in Asian basketball history.
In 2004, Iran clinched the championship in Bengaluru by winning all their matches, including the final against Korea, marking Iran’s first continental basketball title. The 1998 tournament in Kolkata witnessed the international debut of Chinese basketball icon Yao Ming, who led China to their sixth title and left a lasting impact on Asian basketball.
Defending champions Australia will aim to retain their title won in Amman, Jordan, in 2024, alongside New Zealand and 13 other teams qualifying from regional tournaments in Asia. Kazakhstan secured their spot as the first team to qualify by dominating the Central Asian Basketball Association U18 Championship earlier this year.
Qualifiers from different regions will compete in Colombo, Fukuoka, Krabi, and Doha to earn spots in the tournament. The 16 teams will be divided into groups during the initial stage, with the top three from each group advancing to the knockout phase. Notably, the top four teams in this tournament will secure berths for the FIBA Under-19 Basketball World Cup 2027 in Pardubice, Czechia.
