FIBA World Championship has officially started after the opening ceremony was held at the “Sinan Erdem Arena” in Istambul today. Turkey’s President Resep Taip Erogan and FIBA’s President Bob Elfinston were special guests of the ceremony.

Opening ceremony was broadcasted in 172 countries worldwide. Tournament’s official anthem was performed by 300 children which represented 110 countries.

The first match-ups will be played tomorrow. There total of 24 teams divided into 4 groups. Top 4 teams from each group will qualify for the 1/8 final of the tournament. Upon the end of the group stage, the tournament will be played in the Olympic system – whoever loses will be disqualified. Kayseri, Istanbul, Ankara, and Izmir will be the 4 cities to host the tournament fixtures.

Group A: Angola, Argentina, Australia, Germany, Jordan, Serbia

Group B: Brazil, Croatia, Iran, Slovenia, Tunisia, USA

Group C: China, Ivory Coast, Greece, Puerto Rico, Russia, Turkey

Group D: Canada, Spain, France, Lebanon, Lithuania, New Zealand