Qatar unveils Suhail as FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027 mascot

Suhail has been unveiled as the official mascot of the FIBA Basketball World Cup Qatar 2027, adding another distinctly Qatari element to the build-up to basketball’s biggest international tournament.

The mascot is inspired by the Suhail star, traditionally regarded as a guide for sailors and travellers across the Gulf.

Suhail will accompany fans on the road to the tournament, which will bring 32 national teams to Doha from August 27 to September 12, 2027.

What inspired Suhail?

The mascot draws its identity from the Suhail star and is designed around themes of guidance, ambition and leadership.

Suhail is described as friendly, energetic, ambitious and brave, embracing challenges and taking on the role of a natural leader.

The number 27 appears on the mascot’s jersey in reference to 2027, the year Qatar will host the FIBA Basketball World Cup.

A star-inspired design

Suhail’s appearance also draws heavily on celestial imagery.

The mascot features crystal-like facets inspired by star fragments and meteorite material, designed to reflect and capture light.

Its colours move from starlight gold into blue and turquoise shades inspired by the night sky.

The design connects the mascot with the wider Qatar 2027 identity while giving it a character aimed at engaging younger basketball fans.

Basketball World Cup comes to Qatar

The FIBA Basketball World Cup Qatar 2027 will take place from August 27 to September 12 and feature 32 teams.

It will be the first edition of the tournament hosted in the Middle East and North Africa and the first 32-team FIBA Basketball World Cup staged entirely within one city.

Matches will be held across four venues in and around Doha, with the final scheduled to take place at Lusail Arena.

Qatar is automatically qualified as the host nation and will make its second appearance at the Basketball World Cup after previously competing in Japan in 2006.

Suhail joins the tournament’s existing “Step It Up” campaign and its visual identity, which was inspired by the traditional Qatari bisht.

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