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FIBA have announced that either China or the Philippines will host the 2019 World Cup after the two nations were revealed as the remaining candidates left in the running.

It will mark the first time since 2006 that FIBA’s flagship event will be staged in Asia as the last two World Cups have been hosted by European countries [Turkey, 2010 and Spain, 2014].

FIBA will announce their decision during a two day meet in Tokyo on between August 7-9.

The bidding for the 2019 World Cup was always likely to land in Asia after the roaring success of the 2006 world championship in Japan and then the 2008 Olympics in Beijing.

Asia’s gain means another loss to the Americas, as they miss out on a bidding spot for the 2019 world event once again marking 17 years since they last host the tournament.

For the Oceania continent, they are still waiting to host the FIBA World Cup for the very first time.

Twitter reaction and brief analysis:

The Philippines are overwhelming favourites amongst the basketball fans to win the rights to the 2019 FIBA World Cup despite China having better infrastructure and facilities for world class basketball events.

While the Philippines’ promotion of the World Cup would never be denied due the incredible popularity of the sport there, actually hosting the tournament that will feature 32 teams and have hundreds of thousands of fans from all over the world will pose a problem to the nation due to various safety measures.

There are mass police and security shortages in the Philippines plus the transport system, with the exception of the capital Manila needs a vast amount of work.

Something you don’t get in China.

It will interesting to see what the developments will be in the next few months.

Information on the Philippines obtained by local Pilipino residents living in the author’s home town.