The FIBA Intercontinental Cup 2026 has begun in Beijing, China, featuring six top teams from different continents. The tournament, which runs from September 22 to 27, brings together RSSB Tigers from Rwanda, Rytas Vilnius from Lithuania, Shanghai Sharks from China, Boca Juniors from Argentina, Beijing Royal Fighters from China, and NBA G League United from the United States. RSSB Tigers earned their spot in the tournament by winning the Basketball Africa League (BAL) 2026.
The six teams have been divided into two groups, with RSSB Tigers in Group A alongside Rytas Vilnius and Shanghai Sharks. The top two teams from each group will advance to the semifinals. The tournament format features a round-robin stage, followed by a playoff stage to determine the final standings. The third-placed teams in each group will compete for the fifth place.
RSSB Tigers' first game is against Rytas Vilnius on September 22, followed by a match against Shanghai Sharks on September 23. The team's performance in the tournament will be closely watched, as they aim to make a strong impression and continue to raise the profile of African basketball.
African teams have participated in the FIBA Intercontinental Cup since 2022, with Zamalek from Egypt, US Monastir from Tunisia, and Al Ahly from Egypt reaching the quarterfinals but not advancing beyond fourth place. In 2025, Al Ahly SC from Libya became the first African team to win a medal in the tournament, finishing third.
Historically, European and American teams have dominated the FIBA Intercontinental Cup, with European teams winning 24 titles and finishing as runners-up 16 times. Spain has won 12 titles, with Real Madrid being the most successful team with five championships. The United States has also had a strong presence in the tournament.
RSSB Tigers have a strong squad, led by coach Henry Mwinuka, with a mix of experienced Rwandan players and foreign players. Key players include Ntore Habimana, Alex Mpoyo, and Dieudonné Ndizeye, who have all shown impressive skills in previous tournaments. The team has also added new players, including Johnny Hamilton, Tyler Bey, and Jonathan Galloway, to strengthen their lineup.
The team's journey to the FIBA Intercontinental Cup was fueled by their BAL 2026 championship win, where they defeated Petro de Luanda from Angola in the final. With a strong squad and determination, RSSB Tigers are set to make a mark in the tournament and continue to elevate African basketball.
Key points
- RSSB Tigers are the first African team to compete in the FIBA Intercontinental Cup since 2022.
- The team is led by coach Henry Mwinuka and features a mix of experienced Rwandan players and foreign players.
- The FIBA Intercontinental Cup 2026 runs from September 22 to 27 in Beijing, China.
