Turkey Men's National Basketball Team - FIBA 2027 World Cup European Qualifiers

The Türkiye Men’s National Basketball Team will play a total of six matches in Group C, with their final match scheduled for 5 July.

The Türkiye Men’s National Basketball Team defeated Bosnia and Herzegovina 93–71 in their first match of Group C in the first round of the 2027 FIBA Basketball World Cup European Qualifiers.

^{President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan attended the Türkiye vs Bosnia and Herzegovina match at the Turkcell Basketball Development Center. (AA)}

The match was held in Istanbul. Türkiye began its World Cup Qualifiers campaign at home following its silver medal win at the 2025 European Basketball Championship. The game was watched by a large number of guests, including President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan.

The game began with alternating baskets, and Türkiye led 6–5 after the first three minutes. By the seventh minute, the lead had increased to nine points, and the first quarter ended with Türkiye ahead 29–20.

^{Türkiye vs Bosnia and Herzegovina match (AA)}

In the second quarter, Türkiye extended the lead into double digits, but Bosnia and Herzegovina narrowed the gap to just one point by the end of the quarter. Türkiye went into halftime leading 46–45.

In the third quarter, Sertaç Şanlı and Tarık Biberovic scored key points to re-establish the lead, and Türkiye entered the final quarter ahead 67–58. In the fourth quarter, the lead grew to 22 points, and the match ended 93–71.

Tarık Biberovic was the top scorer of the match with 20 points. Şehmus Hazer scored 18, Sertaç Şanlı scored 14, and Kenan Sipahi scored 12.

Onuralp Bitim suffered a right ankle injury at the start of the fourth quarter and was unable to continue playing. Bitim played for 13 minutes and 59 seconds and scored 5 points.

With this result, Türkiye won its opening match in Group C and improved to a 1–0 record.

The Türkiye Men’s National Basketball Team lost 85–60 to Switzerland in their second Group C match, played away from home.

^{Switzerland vs Türkiye match (AA)}

The match was held at the Saint-Leonard Sports Hall in Fribourg, Switzerland. The game was a sell-out, with the majority of spectators in the stands being Turkish fans.

Türkiye led 8–7 after the first three minutes and extended the lead into double digits by the seventh minute. The first quarter ended with Türkiye ahead 23–17.

In the second quarter, Türkiye increased its lead with accurate three-point shooting and went into halftime ahead 41–25.

By the end of the third quarter, Yiğitcan Saybir had scored 15 points, and the score stood at 65–42 in favor of Türkiye. In the fourth quarter, the gap widened further, and the match ended 85–60.

Yiğitcan Saybir was named the Most Valuable Player (MVP) of the match with 19 points. With this win, Türkiye improved to a perfect 2–0 record in the group, while Switzerland suffered its second defeat.

FIBA 2027 World Cup European Qualifiers Group C third match saw the Türkiye Men’s National Basketball Team face off against the Serbia Men’s National Basketball Team. The game was held at the Aleksandar Nikolic Hall in Belgrade, Serbia. Türkiye emerged victorious with a final score of 82–78.

^{Serbia-Türkiye match infographic (AA)}

With this result, Türkiye maintained its group leadership with a perfect 3–0 record, while Serbia suffered its first defeat in the group stage.

^{Serbia-Türkiye match (AA)}

In the first quarter, Türkiye dominated defensively, opening with a 10–0 run and finishing the period with a 22–13 lead.

In the second quarter, Serbia narrowed the gap, but Türkiye entered halftime with a 46–31 advantage. By the end of the third quarter, the score stood at 57–54 in favor of Türkiye.

In the final quarter, the lead changed hands briefly; with 1 minute and 41 seconds remaining, Serbia took the lead. However, Türkiye secured the win with key scoring in the closing moments, finishing the match 82–78.

Quarter scores were as follows: First Quarter 22–13; Halftime 46–31; Third Quarter 57–54; Final Score 82–78.

^{Before the Serbia-Türkiye match (AA)}

Dobric (17), Miljenovic (10), Kalinic (2), Tanaskovic (5), Mitrovic (7), Davidovac (6), Ristic (3), Momirov (3), Novak (6), Markovic (19), Lakic.

Cedi Osman (16), Tarık Biberovic (22), Metecan Birsen, Ercan Osmani (8), Ömer Faruk Yurtseven (14), Şehmus Hazer (7), Berk Uğurlu (6), Onuralp Bitim (3), Yiğitcan Saybir, Sertaç Şanlı (6).

Türkiye started the match with Metecan Birsen, Cedi Osman, Tarık Biberovic, Ercan Osmani and Ömer Faruk Yurtseven. For Türkiye, Cedi Osman recorded 16 points, 3 rebounds and 6 assists; Tarık Biberovic scored 22 points, added 3 rebounds, 3 assists and 3 steals; Ömer Faruk Yurtseven contributed 14 points and 8 rebounds; Ercan Osmani posted 8 points and 8 rebounds.

For Serbia, Bogoljub Markovic scored 19 points and Ognjen Dobric added 17 points.

The match was attended by Hidayet Türkoğlu, President of the Turkish Basketball Federation, and members of the federation’s board of directors.

Following the match, the President of the Republic of Türkiye, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, called TBF President Hidayet Türkoğlu to congratulate the national team on its victory.

With this win, Türkiye achieved three victories in three matches in Group C. The national team’s next match is scheduled for Monday, 2 March in Istanbul, where they will host Serbia. According to the Turkish Basketball Federation, the game will be held at the Turkcell Basketball Development Center.

On 2 March 2026, a match was held at the Turkcell Basketball Development Center in Istanbul as part of the fourth game of Group C in the first round of the FIBA 2027 Basketball World Cup European Qualifiers between the senior men's national basketball teams of Türkiye and Serbia. The match ended with a 94-86 victory for Türkiye. With this result, Türkiye secured its fourth consecutive win in the group, maintaining an undefeated lead and qualifying for the second round of the qualifiers. Serbia suffered its second defeat in the group.

^{Türkiye-Serbia Group C 4th match result infographic (AA)}

The officiating crew consisted of referees Luis Castillo from Spain, Paulo Marques from Portugal, and Martin Horozov from Bulgaria. Türkiye started the game with the starting lineup of Şehmus Hazer, Cedi Osman, Tarık Biberovic, Ercan Osmani, and Ömer Faruk Yurtseven.

The first eight minutes of the match were evenly contested with alternating baskets. In the latter part of the first quarter, Türkiye extended its lead through points scored near the basket and from three-point shots, finishing the first quarter ahead 28-21.

^{Türkiye-Serbia match (AA)}

At the 16th minute of the second quarter, the home team extended its lead to 16 points (41-25). In the remainder of the quarter, Serbia increased its offensive efficiency to score 19 points, while Türkiye managed only 7, resulting in a halftime score of 48-44 in favor of Türkiye.

^{Türkiye-Serbia match (AA)}

At the 25th minute of the third quarter, Serbia reduced the deficit to just two points (58-56). However, Türkiye responded with key scoring plays and closed the quarter with a 76-63 advantage.

^{Türkiye-Serbia match (AA)}

In the final quarter, the Turkish national team prevented Serbia from narrowing the gap below eight points and secured a 94-86 victory, marking its third consecutive win against Serbia.

^{Türkiye-Serbia match (AA)}

The top scorers for Türkiye were Tarık Biberovic with 21 points and Ömer Faruk Yurtseven with 17 points. Other contributors included Şehmus Hazer with 15 points, Cedi Osman with 13 points, and Ercan Osmani with 11 points. Ömer Faruk Yurtseven was disqualified from the game at the 39:02 mark after committing his fifth foul. For Serbia, the highest scorers were Aleksa Avramovic with 16 points, Ognjen Dobric with 14 points, and Davidovac with 12 points.

According to the qualification format for teams advancing to the second round, each team will play six matches against three different teams from the other group, following a home-and-away format. These matches are scheduled to take place across three time periods: August 2026, November 2026, and February 2027. After completing the six-match cycle, the top three teams in each group will qualify for the 2027 FIBA Basketball World Cup. Türkiye’s next matches in Group C are away against Bosnia and Herzegovina on 2 July 2026 and against Switzerland on 5 July 2026.

^{Minister of Youth and Sports Osman Aşkın Bak (left 5), President of the Turkish Basketball Federation (TBF) Hidayet Türkoğlu (left 4), President of the Turkish Football Federation (TFF) İbrahim Hacıosmanoğlu (left 3), and Chairman of the TBMM Industry, Trade, Energy, Natural Resources, Information and Technology Committee Mustafa Varank (left 6) (AA)}

The protocol delegation attending the match included Minister of Youth and Sports Osman Aşkın Bak, President of the Turkish Basketball Federation Hidayet Türkoğlu, President of the Turkish Football Federation İbrahim Hacıosmanoğlu, Member of Parliament for Istanbul Cüneyt Yüksel, Member of Parliament for Bursa Mustafa Varank, and Chief Public Prosecutor of Istanbul Fatih Dönmez. Following the conclusion of the match, President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan called the coaching staff and players in the locker room via telephone through Minister Osman Aşkın Bak to congratulate them. During the call, President Erdoğan spoke with Head Coach Ergin Ataman and the players, praising the team for the victory and wishing them success in upcoming matches.

On 2 July 2026, Türkiye defeated Bosnia and Herzegovina 82-75 in an official match played away from home. Prior to this encounter, Türkiye had played four matches in the group stage: defeating Bosnia and Herzegovina 93-71 at home, Switzerland 85-60 away, Serbia 82-78 away, and Serbia 94-86 in Istanbul, maintaining an undefeated record. Following this victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina, Türkiye increased its group points to 10, won all five matches, and mathematically secured first place in Group C.

The match was held at the Husejin Smajlovic Arena in Zenica, Bosnia and Herzegovina. Played on Thursday 2 July 2026, it began at 20:00 local time and 21:00 Türkiye time. A total of 3,500 ticketed spectators attended the game. The officiating crew consisted of head referee Antonio Conde from Spain and assistant referees Dariusz Zapolski from Poland and Ritvars Helmsteins from Latvia.

The technical delegate for the match was Fernando Garzon from Spain. Türkiye’s head coach was Ergin Ataman, while Bosnia and Herzegovina’s head coach was Dario Gjergja. The match was attended from the protocol section by Minister of Youth and Sports Dr. Osman Aşkın Bak, Türkiye’s Ambassador to Sarajevo Emin Akseki, President of the Turkish Basketball Federation (TBF) Hidayet Türkoğlu, TBF Acting President Harun Erdenay, and General Manager of Anadolu Agency and TBF Board Member Serdar Karagöz. It was also noted that fans of Bosnia and Herzegovina in the stands displayed a Palestinian flag in support of Palestine.

Türkiye started the match with Kenan Sipahi, Cedi Osman, Tarık Biberoviç, Yiğitcan Saybir, and Alperen Şengün in the starting lineup.

• First Quarter (1st Period): The match opened with a three-pointer by Tarık Biberoviç of Türkiye. After a back-and-forth start, Türkiye took the lead 10-6. After a period of scoring difficulties for both teams, Bosnia and Herzegovina narrowed the gap to one point, making the score 10-9. In the closing minutes of the quarter, Türkiye failed to score inside the paint, while Bosnia and Herzegovina closed the quarter with a 5-0 run, highlighted by a three-pointer from Luka Garza, leading 18-17.
• Second Quarter (2nd Period) and First Half: Early in the second quarter, both teams exchanged baskets and maintained a 22-21 score. Bosnia and Herzegovina extended their lead to five points (28-23) with three-pointers, with 5 minutes and 39 seconds remaining before halftime. Ömer Faruk Yurtseven and Tarık Biberoviç scored for Türkiye, while Gegić and Kamenjas responded for Bosnia and Herzegovina. Entering the final minutes of the half, Bosnia and Herzegovina led 34-30 and went into the locker room ahead 39-34 after Türkiye missed several close-range shots. Statistics reflected that Türkiye missed seven fast-break opportunities in the quarter and Alperen Şengün picked up three fouls, entering foul trouble. Bosnia and Herzegovina scored 21 points in this quarter, Türkiye scored 17.
• Third Quarter (3rd Period): After halftime, Türkiye opened the third quarter with a 4-0 run to reduce the deficit to one point, 39-38. Taking control of the game, Türkiye turned the score in their favor to 46-43. Midway through the quarter, both teams traded baskets; in the closing minutes, Furkan Korkmaz sank two consecutive three-pointers (6 points), bringing the score to 57-55. The quarter ended with Türkiye leading 59-57. Türkiye scored 25 points in this period, Bosnia and Herzegovina scored 18.
• Fourth Quarter (4th Period): Bosnia and Herzegovina began the final quarter with a 5-0 run led by Luka Garza, taking a 63-62 lead. Türkiye responded with baskets from Alperen Şengün and Furkan Korkmaz. At the 35th minute, Bosnia and Herzegovina head coach Dario Gjergja was ejected after receiving his second technical foul. During this period marked by mutual errors, Türkiye gradually gained control of the game and built a seven-point lead (69-62). Bosnia and Herzegovina improved their defense and with 2 minutes and 16 seconds remaining, reduced the deficit to two points at 71-69. However, a three-pointer by Kenan Sipahi of Türkiye extended the score to 76-71, and the match ended with an 82-75 victory for Türkiye. Türkiye scored 23 points in this quarter, Bosnia and Herzegovina scored 18.

In team statistics, Türkiye finished the match with a 47% field goal accuracy. They made 53.7% of their two-point attempts, 31.6% of their three-pointers, and 86.7% of their free throws. Bosnia and Herzegovina recorded a 41% field goal accuracy, with 50% on two-pointers, 29.2% on three-pointers, and 90% on free throws. The lead changed hands 14 times during the game, and the score was tied five times. The largest lead recorded was seven points; Bosnia and Herzegovina’s longest scoring run was 10-0, while Türkiye’s was 7-0. Türkiye held the advantage for 22 minutes and 7 seconds, while Bosnia and Herzegovina led for 16 minutes and 19 seconds.

Among individual performances, Şehmus Hazer was Türkiye’s top scorer with 16 points. Team captain Cedi Osman finished the match with 15 points, 11 rebounds, and 2 assists, recording a double-double. Alperen Şengün contributed 14 points, 4 rebounds, and 4 assists. Born in Zenica, Tarık Biberoviç played his first official game for the senior national team in his hometown, finishing with 10 points, 2 rebounds, and 1 assist. For Bosnia and Herzegovina, Luka Garza delivered the most outstanding performance, ending the game with 27 points and a 31 efficiency rating.

Following the match, a press conference was held to analyze the game. Türkiye’s head coach Ergin Ataman pointed to offensive disorganization and missed simple shots in the first half, noting that the initial system failed to function. He explained that halftime adjustments included using Kenan Sipahi and Şehmus Hazer simultaneously in the playmaking rotation and moving Cedi Osman to the power forward (number four) position. Team captain Cedi Osman highlighted the physicality and aggressive defense employed by Bosnia and Herzegovina, while noting that playing away in Bosnia and Herzegovina created a special memory for him. Minister of Youth and Sports Osman Aşkın Bak congratulated Ergin Ataman and the team for their undefeated 5-5 record and their tactical adjustments in the second half. TBF President Hidayet Türkoğlu emphasized the importance of securing another win against Switzerland on 6 July to complete the group stage undefeated (6-6), as this would provide a significant advantage in the second round.

Türkiye A National Men’s Basketball Team faced the Switzerland A National Men’s Basketball Team in an official sports match on 6 July 2026 as part of the sixth and final week of Group C in the first round of the FIBA 2027 World Cup European Qualifiers. The game, held at the Sinan Erdem Dome in Istanbul and broadcast live on TRT 1, ended with a 95–72 victory for Türkiye. As a result, Türkiye completed Group C undefeated as group leader, while Switzerland finished last without a win and was eliminated.

This match marked the first game played by the Türkiye A National Men’s Basketball Team at the Sinan Erdem Dome since 25 February 2024. All tickets for the closed-door game were sold out.

The officiating crew consisted of Andris Aunkrogers from Latvia, Edgard Ceccarelli from France, and Silvia Marziali from Italy.

Türkiye started the game with a starting five of Şehmus Hazer, Malachi Flynn, Cedi Osman, Alperen Şengün, and Adem Bona. Switzerland’s starting five consisted of Alexander Schumacher, Fofana, Martin, Mbala, and Rocak.

Ercan Osmani, who was injured, was absent from Türkiye’s roster along with Emre Melih Tunca, Yiğit Onan, Tarık Biberovic, and Yiğit Arslan. Malachi Flynn, a 28-year-old American-born Turkish player who acquired Turkish citizenship in January and was invited to the squad for the Serbia matches in February, wore the national team jersey for the first time in this match. Additionally, this game marked the 100th match for Türkiye Head Coach Ergin Ataman.

The match concluded with the following period scores in a logical and chronological sequence:

^{Altıncı Maç: Türkiye 95-72 İsviçre (AA)}

• First Quarter (22–19): The first quarter began with alternating baskets. Türkiye scored from six different players, while Switzerland’s Alexander Schumacher stood out offensively. Türkiye, dominating the paint, ended the quarter leading 22–19.
• Second Quarter (47–41): In the second quarter, Türkiye extended its lead through scoring by Alperen Şengün and Ömer Faruk Yurtseven near the basket. At the 14-minute mark, a three-pointer by Ömer Faruk Yurtseven increased the gap to double digits for the first time (33–22). Switzerland’s Schumacher managed to limit the deficit with his scoring in the remaining minutes, and the teams went to halftime with Türkiye leading 47–41.
• Third Quarter (76–52): Türkiye took control of the game in the third quarter with scoring from Malachi Flynn and Adem Bona. Although Switzerland narrowed the gap to eight points (58–50) at the 24-minute mark, Türkiye then went on a 16–0 run. With 39 seconds left in the quarter, the lead had expanded to 24 points (74–50), and the quarter ended 76–52 in Türkiye’s favor.
• Fourth Quarter (95–72): In the final quarter, Türkiye maintained its scoring advantage and secured a 95–72 victory.

^{Altıncı Maç: Türkiye 95-72 İsviçre (AA)}

The scoring distribution for both teams was as follows:

• Ömer Faruk Yurtseven: 18 points, 5 rebounds
• Alperen Şengün: 17 points, 6 rebounds, 5 assists
• Adem Bona: 15 points
• Cedi Osman: 15 points
• Şehmus Hazer: 10 points
• Malachi Flynn: 8 points
• Furkan Korkmaz: 6 points
• Erkan Yılmaz: 3 points
• Kenan Sipahi: 3 points

• Alexander Schumacher: 23 points
• Toni Rocak: 12 points
• Niko Rocak: 11 points
• Schaller: 5 points
• Solca: 5 points
• Maniema: 4 points
• Mbala: 3 points
• Anabir: 3 points
• Fofana: 2 points
• Martin: 2 points
• Clerc: 2 points

^{Altıncı Maç: Türkiye 95-72 İsviçre (AA)}

The match was attended by prominent figures from state and sports protocol. Minister of Youth and Sports Dr. Osman Aşkın Bak, President of the Turkish Basketball Federation (TBF) Hidayet Türkoğlu, TBF Vice Presidents Harun Erdenay and Mehmet Fatih Öztürk, FIBA Europe and TBF Board Member Hüseyin Beşok, and TBF Board Members were present in the stands. Additionally, the Türkiye U17 National Men’s Team, which recently finished fourth in its age category at the World Championships, watched the game from the arena.

Following the match, several official statements were issued:

• Ergin Ataman (Head Coach): He expressed satisfaction with completing the group stage with six wins out of six, noting that Türkiye had been recognized by FIBA as Europe’s strongest team. He also expressed pride in coaching his 100th match for the national team and announced that two players from the U17 team, which finished fourth at the World Cup, would be invited to join the senior national team in the coming period.

^{Altıncı Maç: Türkiye 95-72 İsviçre (AA)}

• Furkan Korkmaz and Kenan Sipahi: They emphasized that the team’s ultimate goal is to qualify for the World Cup and win a medal.
• Osman Aşkın Bak (Minister of Youth and Sports): He praised the team’s dedication, its perfect 6–0 record, and especially its two victories over Serbia. He highlighted the importance of investments in youth development and the Basketball Development Center, and expressed confidence in Türkiye’s qualification for the 2027 World Cup.
• Hidayet Türkoğlu (TBF President): He stated that the national team has gained strong momentum and that full arenas are of great significance to the basketball community. He expressed confidence in the team ahead of the remaining six matches in the World Cup qualifiers.

Türkiye completed all its matches in Group C of the first round undefeated. Türkiye’s group results were as follows:

• Bosnia and Herzegovina (Home): 93–71
• Switzerland (Away): 85–60
• Serbia (Away): 82–78
• Serbia (Home): 94–86
• Bosnia and Herzegovina (Away): 82–75
• Switzerland (Home): 95–72

Switzerland lost all six of its group matches and finished last, thus being eliminated from the tournament.

By virtue of its results, Türkiye qualified for Group J in the second round. Group J includes the top three teams from Groups C and D: Türkiye, Iceland, Serbia, Lithuania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Italy. Teams carry forward their win-loss records from the first round. Türkiye will play six matches in Group J against Italy, Lithuania, and Iceland only. These matches will be held on 24 August–1 September 2026, 23 November–1 December 2026, and 22 February–2 March 2027. The top three teams in Group J will qualify for the FIBA 2027 Basketball World Cup to be held in Qatar.