The FIBA World Cup Qualification match between Cyprus and Croatia will take place on Friday, March 3, at 19:00 local time in Nicosia, Cyprus, in a crucial contest for both teams’ chances of advancing to the 2026 tournament. The game, set to be broadcast on TimVision, represents a pivotal moment in the Group D standings, with both sides seeking vital points to secure a playoff berth.
Why This Match Matters
Cyprus and Croatia are locked in a tight race for the second qualifying spot in Group D, with the winner of this encounter gaining a significant advantage. As of the latest FIBA standings, Croatia leads the group with 12 points from six games, while Cyprus trails with 9 points. A win for Cyprus could close the gap to three points, while a loss would leave them needing to outperform other teams in the final two matches.

“This game is a must-win for us,” said Cyprus head coach Michalis Michaelides in a pre-match press conference. “Croatia is a strong team, but we believe in our preparation and the support of our fans.” Croatia’s coach, Dario Šarić, echoed the sentiment, emphasizing the importance of maintaining their lead. “We’ve worked hard to stay top of the group, and we’ll approach this game with the same focus as every other match,” he said.
Key Players and Injuries
Croatia’s squad includes NBA veteran Nikola Vuk