Gilas Pilipinas is heading into a historic showdown as they kick off their FIBA World Cup 2027 Asian Qualification campaign against Guam on November 28, 2025. The match will take place at the University of Guam’s Calvo Field House, a key venue now being upgraded to FIBA international standards.

This encounter not only launches the first window of the qualifiers but also serves as a milestone event for both nations. Gilas Pilipinas, among Asia’s top national basketball teams, will look to assert their dominance early, while Guam’s fast-rising squad is eager to deliver a major upset on home soil.

Guam prepares for a defining moment in sports

Guam’s growing reputation in Asian basketball has been fueled by strong showings against teams like China and Japan. With the support of local fans and Filipino communities across the Pacific, the home team aims to test Gilas’ depth and experience.

Guam Visitors Bureau President and CEO Régine Biscoe Lee emphasized the cultural and sporting connection between the two nations, saying, “Welcoming Gilas Pilipinas to Guam is a celebration of our shared passion for basketball and an opportunity to build meaningful ties through sports and tourism.”

Team Guam President and head coach E.J. Calvo added, “This is more than just a basketball game—this is a defining moment for sports in Guam.”

Tickets for the event go on sale in August 2025 and a sell-out is anticipated. Filipino fans in Guam are expected to pack the venue, giving Gilas home-court-like support in enemy territory.

Just days later, on December 1, 2025, the two teams will meet again in Manila, where Gilas will aim to close the first window with back-to-back victories and strengthen their path toward another FIBA World Cup berth.