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Jordan’s national basketball team has officially declined to compete against Israel in the 2025 FIBA U-19 Basketball World Cup, putting an end to weeks of speculation. According to a report by *The Times of Israel*, Jordan informed the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) that it will not field a team against Israel in the tournament. As a result, Israel will automatically receive a 20-0 technical victory over Jordan.
In their latest match, Israel defeated Switzerland 102-77, while Jordan suffered a loss against the Dominican Republic. Amos Frischman, Chairman of the Israel Basketball Association, expressed disappointment over Jordan’s decision, stating, “I had hoped the Jordanian team would participate. I believe sports serve as a bridge between people and cultures, not a political arena.”
The decision comes amid heightened tensions, with allegations that Jordan’s airspace was used during Iran’s attack on Israel. However, the Jordanian military intercepted Iranian missiles and drones before they could reach Israeli territory, sparking outrage in parts of the Muslim world. This geopolitical backdrop may have influenced Jordan’s stance in the tournament.
