Wish list for ‘26

Here's our wish list for 2026.

- By JOAQUIN M. HENSON

They’re realistic goals, doable and well within reason. Let's hope and pray for more memorable sporting moments this year.• Qualify for 2027 FIBA World Cup. There are four World Cup Asia qualifying windows this year. The Philippines is in Group A with Australia, New Zealand and Guam. Gilas faces New Zealand on Feb. 26 and Australia on March 1, both at home. Then, coach Tim Cone’s squad hits the road against New Zealand on July 3 and Australia on July 6. The top three finishers in Group A advance to the second round of three more windows, joining the top three placers in Group C, expected to be Iran, Jordan and Syria. The next window is on Aug. 27-31 then Nov. 26-30 and the last on Feb. 25-March 1, 2027. The eight Asian qualifiers for the World Cup will be host Qatar, the top three finishers in the two reconstituted second round groups plus the fourth placer with the higher quotient from both groups. The top Asian team in the World Cup will represent the continent at the 2028 LA Olympics.