Only a few days remain before the much-anticipated start of the Basketball World Cup 2023. Spain enters the tournament with a refreshed squad and a notable absence: point guard Ricky Rubio has stepped back to prioritize his mental health. His departure opens space for a blend of seasoned leaders and rising talents who must shoulder the load as La Familia carries heavy expectations. The roster leans on two stalwarts, Sergio Llull and Rudy Fernández, who have long been anchors for the national team, along with the Hernangómez brothers. Joining them are NBA players Santi Aldama and Usman Garuba, complemented by a quartet of proven veterans including Víctor Claver, Álex Abrines, and Alberto Díaz. This balance of experience and youth signals a team capable of adapting to varied styles across the globe and making a deep run on the world stage.
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Where is it played?
The 2023 World Cup unfolds across three nations in a joint bid: the Philippines, Japan, and Indonesia. The proposal faced scrutiny when Indonesia, one of the hosts, was unable to secure sporting success, a development that slightly altered the tournament’s hosting dynamics while still delivering a diverse, cross-country experience for fans. The Philippines, Japan, and Indonesia share responsibilities, creating a unique geographic footprint for the event.
The Japanese portion of the schedule centers around the Okinawa Arena, situated in the city bearing the same name on the southern island chain. This venue is prepared to welcome tens of thousands of spectators as it hosts group matches spanning groups E, F, and K. The arena’s capacity sits around 10,000 seats, creating an intimate yet vibrant atmosphere for high-stakes clashes.
Indonesia hosts several rounds at Indonesia Arena, located in the capital city Jakarta. This hall accommodates a robust crowd, with space for roughly 16,500 spectators, and will stage games from groups H, L, and G. The Group G lineup features Spain alongside Brazil, Iran, and the Ivory Coast, promising a mix of tactical battles and high-flying playmaking.
The largest portion of games unfolds in the Philippines, where the tournament reaches its crescendo with critical matchups and the final stages. The third-place game, semi-finals, and the grand final are slated for this archipelago, with September 10 serving as a highlight as the championship epicenter. The competition navigates through several major venues in the country, distributing the games across Pasay, Quezon City, and Bocaue to maximize accessibility for fans nationwide. The Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay and the Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City each offer seating for around 15,000 fans, ensuring boisterous atmospheres for pivotal showdowns. The Philippine Arena, boasting an expansive 52,000-seat capacity, stands out as the largest venue and a fitting stage for the season’s culminating moments, underscoring the host nation’s passion for the sport and its ability to rally large-scale basketball spectacles for global audiences.