The Basketball World Cup is approaching the final stages in the Philippines, Japan and Indonesia. We’ve already seen some thrilling matches throughout the early stages of the competition, not least Lithuania’s thrilling victory over the United States and Canada’s elimination of defending champions Spain.
Those analysing the FIBA World Cup betting odds will be doing their best to predict which side will come out on top in the final on September 10, to gain the glory of being crowned world basketball champions.
As we ponder which team might get their hands on the trophy in Pasay this year, let’s take a look back at the previous four champions of the Basketball World Cup.
2019: Spain
Four years ago, it was Spain who did the business and sealed their second World Cup triumph. They came through the opening round comfortably, blitzing Tunisia before securing victories over Puerto Rico and Iran.
The second round saw Spain clash with Italy and Serbia, and they maintained their 100% record, winning a tight game against the Italians before beating Serbia 81-69.
From there, Spain never looked back, beating Poland 90-78 in the quarter-finals before dramatically defeating Australia in overtime to reach the final.
The showpiece match saw Spain beat Argentina with relative ease, winning 95-75 to be crowned world champions.
2014: United States
United States were the champions in 2014, after enjoying a dominant start to proceedings in the opening round with five wins from five. Those victories came against Finland, Turkey, New Zealand, the Dominican Republic, and Ukraine.
From there, the US won their last 16 encounter against Mexico, setting up a quarter-final against Slovenia which they won with ease, 119-76.
The United States then got the better of Lithuania in the semi-finals, winning 96-68 to set up a showpiece final against Serbia. Unfortunately for the underdogs, the US were in fine form and won 129-92 to lift the trophy.
2010: United States
Four years prior, it was the United States celebrating again. Their 2010 FIBA World Cup campaign began with a 100% record in the group stage, thanks to victories against Croatia, Slovenia, Brazil, Iran, and Tunisia.
Their last-16 encounter brought a comfortable win over Angola, before the US earned a hard-fought 89-79 victory over Russia to reach the semi-finals.
Another semi-final against Lithuania went the way of the Americans, before they produced a solid display to overcome Turkey in the final 81-64.
2006: Spain
Spain’s first FIBA World Cup triumph came in 2006, where a 100% winning run in the group phase set the tone for a memorable tournament. Wins over New Zealand, Panama, Germany and Japan made it the perfect start for the Spanish.
That set up a last 16 tie against Serbia and Montenegro, where Spain edged out their opponents 87-75. From there they beat Lithuania in the quarter-finals and Argentina in the semi-finals (by a single point) to reach the showpiece match.
In the end, challengers Greece were no match for Spain, with the latter winning 70-47 to claim the title.