Seoul, Korea, September 9, 2026: Korea’s men's basketball team will begin their campaign for a first Asian Games title in 12 years when action tips off in Nagoya on Thursday, September 10, reports Yonhap News.
The last of Korea’s four Asian Games gold medals came on home court at Incheon in 2014; since then, China (Jakarta-Palembang 2018) and the Philippines (Hangzhou 2022) have ruled the tournament.
Coached by Nikolajs Mazurs, Korea will play its first Group A game against Saudi Arabia at Aichi International Arena on Thursday – the first day of action in team sports ahead of the Asian Games opening ceremony on September 19.
Korea will next play Indonesia on Friday and then the host country Japan on Sunday.
Twelve teams have been divided into three groups of four. The top two teams from each group, plus the two best third-place teams, will progress to the quarterfinals.
The quarterfinals are set for next Wednesday, followed by the semifinals on September 18. Both the bronze medal game and the gold medal game will be on September 20, the day after the opening ceremony.
Korea can take heart following two victories over reigning Asian Games champions the Philippines in exhibition games at home over the weekend, by the scores of 81-55 and then 69-42.
Before those two wins, Korea had defeated Saudi Arabia 85-72 in the Asian qualifiers for the 2027 FIBA Basketball World Cup.