2027 FIBA World Cup Qualifiers Window 1: Philippines vs. Guam – Game Preview, Where to Watch, Betting Odds, and Predictions

The road to the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027 in Doha begins this week for Gilas Pilipinas, who will face off against Guam men’s national basketball team in a two-game home-and-away showdown as part of Group A. Games take place in the opening Qualifiers window from November 24 to December 2, 2025.

For Gilas — and their Olympic aspirations beyond — this series isn’t just a tune-up. It could determine whether they maintain a viable pathway not only to the World Cup but also to the 2028 Olympics.

 Game Schedule & Where to Watch

Format & Stakes

• 16 teams from the 2025 FIBA Asia Cup compete in the Qualifiers. 
• First Round: Home-and-away matches against group opponents. 
• Top three teams (plus best fourth-place team) advance to the Second Round. 
• Gilas must sweep Guam to maintain a strong chance of moving forward, especially ahead of matches against Australia and New Zealand. 

Team Profiles

Gilas Pilipinas

• Gilas trained in November with a 10-day camp focusing on chemistry, defensive rotations, and transition offense. 
• Strengths: Size, inside presence, versatile wings, and guards for perimeter shooting. 
• Key Focus: Control the boards, execute in half-court sets, and limit turnovers. 

Guam

• Debuting in FIBA World Cup Qualifiers, this is Guam’s first home-and-away window. 
• Coached by EJ Calvo, Guam brings energy, hunger, and growing confidence from recent regional competitions. 
• Strengths: Outside shooting, perimeter rotations, and high-energy defense, especially at home. 

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SHIFTING INTO FIRST GEAR

Gilas Pilipinas aim for an all-out start as they face Guam for their first game in the FIBA Basketball World Cup Qualifiers Window 1 this November 28, Friday at 5:00 p.m.! #GilasPilipinas #FIBAWCQ pic.twitter.com/qVcPjzD45W

— One Sports (@OneSportsPHL) November 27, 2025

 Key Match Factors

• Board Control: Gilas’ inside advantage vs. Guam’s perimeter game. 
• Pace Management: Will Guam push transition speed, or can Gilas slow down and dictate tempo? 
• Turnover Battle: Teams that minimize errors likely dictate the flow. 
• Home-Court Energy: Guam at home can generate momentum swings, while Gilas must stay disciplined. 

 Where to Watch (Philippines)

• Streaming: One Sports YouTube, Pilipinas Live (mobile/web) 
• TV Broadcast: One Sports, One Sports+, PBA Rush, RPTV 

Betting Odds

 Game Predictions

• Prediction: Gilas Pilipinas wins both games — a 2–0 sweep — but the first game in Guam may be tougher due to travel, unfamiliar environment, and Guam’s home energy. 
• Why: Gilas has deeper talent, size advantage, and more international experience. If they bring intensity and avoid sloppy turnovers, their inside-outside balance should give them the edge. However, Guam’s home debut and motivation make the first game a potential near-upset scenario.

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