Gilas Pilipinas is back in action tomorrow, and after what happened against Jordan, Sunday night’s game suddenly feels even bigger.
The Philippines will face Iran on Sunday, August 30, 2026, at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City as the fourth window of the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027 Asian Qualifiers continues.
Tip-off is scheduled for 8:00 PM Philippine Time.
Gilas enters the game with some much-needed momentum after pulling off a dramatic 82–81 overtime victory over Jordan on Friday night.
Kai Sotto had 18 points and 14 rebounds in his long-awaited return to the national team. CJ Perez came alive in the second half. Kevin Quiambao buried the go-ahead three-pointer with 11.7 seconds remaining in overtime.
And then Sotto finished the job with a game-saving block at the buzzer.
That victory improved the Philippines to 3–4 and snapped a four-game losing streak in the qualifiers.
Now comes Iran.
And if Gilas can make it two wins in three days, the Philippines will suddenly be right back in the conversation in Group E.
Here is everything you need to know about Gilas Pilipinas vs Iran, including the schedule, game time, possible lineup, Carl Tamayo injury update, Iran players to watch, live stream and TV coverage, standings and what Sunday’s game means for the Philippines’ World Cup hopes.
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Gilas Pilipinas vs Iran 2026 Game Details
| Game Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Match | Gilas Pilipinas vs Iran |
| Tournament | FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027 Asian Qualifiers |
| Round | Second Round – Group E |
| Date | Sunday, August 30, 2026 |
| Time | 8:00 PM Philippine Time |
| Venue | SM Mall of Asia Arena |
| Location | Pasay City, Metro Manila |
| Philippines record | 3–4 |
| Iran record | 5–2 |
| Philippines coach | Tim Cone |
FIBA’s official schedule lists Philippines vs Iran as the final Group E game at the Mall of Asia Arena on Sunday.
The full August 30 schedule in Manila is:
- 2:00 PM – New Zealand vs Syria
- 5:00 PM – Australia vs Jordan
- 8:00 PM – Gilas Pilipinas vs Iran
That means Gilas will know the results of the other two Group E games before it takes the court.
Depending on what happens earlier in the day, Sunday’s matchup could become even more important.
What Time Is Gilas Pilipinas vs Iran?
Gilas Pilipinas vs Iran is scheduled for:
8:00 PM Philippine Time on Sunday, August 30, 2026
The game will be played at the Mall of Asia Arena.
If you’re planning to watch online, I would tune in a little earlier because pre-game coverage and lineup announcements may begin before the actual tip-off.
And after Friday night’s sellout atmosphere against Jordan, expect another energetic crowd at the MOA Arena.
Where to Watch Gilas Pilipinas vs Iran
Current Philippine listings indicate that Gilas vs Iran will be available through the usual Cignal and One Sports platforms.
Gilas vs Iran TV coverage
Fans can check:
- One Sports
- One Sports+
- RPTV
Gilas vs Iran live stream
Current listings also point to:
- One Sports official YouTube channel
- Pilipinas Live app
- Pilipinas Live website
Pilipinas Live is available to registered users, while One Sports is expected to carry an official online stream for the game.
Broadcast arrangements can still change, so it is worth checking the official One Sports and Pilipinas Live pages shortly before tip-off.
If you’re watching outside the Philippines, availability may vary because of territorial broadcast rights. FIBA’s official game page can also provide viewing options depending on your location.
Gilas Is Coming Off a Huge Win Against Jordan
Sunday’s game would feel very different if the Philippines had lost Friday night.
Instead, Gilas is coming in with momentum.
The Philippines erased an 18-point deficit and defeated Jordan, 82–81, in overtime in one of the most dramatic games of the current qualifying campaign.
Kevin Quiambao hit a three-pointer with 11.7 seconds remaining in overtime to give Gilas an 82–79 lead.
Jordan then cut the margin to one.
After a Gilas turnover gave Jordan one final possession, Kai Sotto blocked Abdullah Olajuwon’s potential game-winner as time expired.
That result did several things.
It snapped Gilas’ four-game losing streak.
It improved the Philippines to 3–4.
And perhaps most importantly, it proved that this team can beat one of Group E’s top teams even without Justin Brownlee.
Now Gilas has an opportunity to do the same thing against Iran.
Kai Sotto Is the Biggest Reason for Optimism
It’s difficult to imagine a much better comeback game for Kai Sotto.
Playing his first official Gilas game since November 2024, Sotto immediately reminded everyone why Tim Cone considers him such an important part of the national team.
Against Jordan, Kai finished with:
- 18 points
- 14 rebounds
- 3 assists
- 2 blocks
And one of those blocks saved the game.
His performance was strong enough for FIBA to include him among the standout players from the August 28 qualifying games.
But the statistics only tell part of the story.
Sotto gives Gilas something that is extremely difficult to replicate.
At around 7-foot-3, he changes what opponents can do around the basket.
Guards have to think twice before challenging him at the rim.
Big men have to deal with his length on rebounds.
And offensively, Gilas can use him as a pick-and-roll target, post option or passer from the high post.
Iran will present a different challenge from Jordan, but Sotto’s size could once again be one of the Philippines’ biggest advantages.
One Concern: Kai Played Heavy Minutes Against Jordan
There is one thing Tim Cone will have to manage carefully.
Sotto played roughly 36 minutes in the overtime win.
That’s a significant workload for any center, especially considering that he only recently returned from a long ACL rehabilitation and had not played official international basketball for nearly two years.
Gilas now has less than 48 hours between games.
The good news is that the Philippines has frontcourt depth.
June Mar Fajardo is available.
AJ Edu can provide athleticism and defense.
Justine Baltazar and Troy Rosario can also provide minutes.
Justin Arana remains available as a possible roster replacement if Gilas makes a change because of Carl Tamayo’s injury.
Cone probably doesn’t want Sotto playing another 36-plus minutes unless absolutely necessary.
But if the Iran game is close late in the fourth quarter?
It’s hard to imagine Kai staying on the bench.
Carl Tamayo’s Injury Is the Biggest Gilas Question
This is probably the most important lineup story to monitor before Sunday.
Carl Tamayo suffered a sprained left ankle during the third quarter against Jordan.
The injury happened with 7:58 remaining in the period as Tamayo drove toward the basket.
He did not return.
That’s unfortunate because Tamayo was playing very well before the injury.
He had eight points on 3-of-4 shooting in just over 14 minutes.
He also hit an important three-pointer late in the first half that helped Gilas cut Jordan’s advantage.
Will Carl Tamayo play against Iran?
As of August 29, Tamayo remains questionable.
Tim Cone said Tamayo was able to walk following the game, but the ankle was swollen.
Gilas planned to continue treating the injury before deciding whether he could play Sunday.
Cone understandably hopes no roster change will be needed.
But Gilas already has a backup plan.
RJ Abarrientos and Justin Arana Are on Standby
If Tamayo cannot play, Tim Cone said RJ Abarrientos and Justin Arana are available as possible replacements.
Both were among the players who missed out when Gilas selected its active 12 for the Jordan matchup.
Which player would make more sense?
That’s an interesting question.
Justin Arana
Arana would provide additional size and frontcourt depth.
If Gilas is concerned about Sotto’s workload or wants another physical big man against Iran, Arana could make sense.
RJ Abarrientos
Abarrientos would give Gilas another ball-handler and perimeter scoring option.
That could be valuable against an Iranian defense likely to challenge Gilas’ guards.
There is also the possibility that Tamayo improves enough to remain in the lineup.
So until Gilas confirms its final 12, this is one of the biggest stories to watch.
Possible Gilas Pilipinas Lineup vs Iran
The Philippines used the following 12 against Jordan:
- Kai Sotto
- June Mar Fajardo
- AJ Edu
- Carl Tamayo
- Kevin Quiambao
- Dwight Ramos
- CJ Perez
- Scottie Thompson
- Chris Newsome
- Juan Gomez de Liaño
- Troy Rosario
- Justine Baltazar
If Tamayo is ruled out, RJ Abarrientos or Justin Arana could potentially take his place.
FIBA’s wider Window 4 player pool also includes other names, but the final game roster comes from the eligible players submitted for this window.
One player we already know will not play is Justin Brownlee.
Justin Brownlee Remains Out
Gilas will again play without its naturalized star.
Brownlee is sitting out the August window while recovering from multiple physical issues. FIBA reported that the Philippines would have to play Window 4 without him.
That was a major concern before Jordan.
But Friday’s victory showed how Gilas can compensate.
Instead of one player replacing Brownlee, several players contributed.
Against Jordan:
- Kai Sotto scored 18.
- CJ Perez scored 16.
- Kevin Quiambao scored 14.
- Dwight Ramos scored 14.
That’s probably what Gilas needs again against Iran.
There isn’t going to be one Brownlee replacement.
It has to be a collective effort.
CJ Perez Could Again Be Crucial
CJ Perez might have been Gilas’ most important offensive player late against Jordan.
He didn’t score in the first half.
Then he became extremely aggressive.
Perez attacked the basket, scored repeatedly in crunch time and helped force overtime.
He finished with 16 points.
It was also Perez who penetrated before finding Kevin Quiambao for the go-ahead three-pointer.
Against Iran, that ability to get downhill could be very important.
Iran has size.
It has experience.
But if Perez can push the pace before Iran’s defense becomes organized, he could generate easier scoring opportunities for Gilas.
Kevin Quiambao Is Showing He Belongs in Big Moments
Kevin Quiambao had one of the biggest shots of his Gilas career against Jordan.
Score tied.
Overtime.
Under 15 seconds remaining.
The ball came to him outside.
He didn’t hesitate.
Three.
That confidence matters.
Especially with Brownlee unavailable.
Gilas needs players willing to take important shots rather than constantly looking around for somebody else to create.
Quiambao gives Cone another versatile forward who can handle the ball, pass, rebound and shoot.
And if Tamayo is unavailable Sunday, KQ could have an even larger role.
Iran Is Coming Off an Overtime Loss
Interestingly, Gilas isn’t the only team coming into Sunday after playing overtime Friday.
Iran also went through an exhausting game.
New Zealand defeated Iran, 93–91, in overtime at the Mall of Asia Arena.
That dropped Iran from 5–1 to 5–2.
The game was close all the way.
Iran had opportunities late, but New Zealand survived behind two crucial defensive plays from Sam Waardenburg.
So both the Philippines and Iran will enter Sunday having played 45 minutes two days earlier.
That could make depth and conditioning particularly important.
Neither team has the advantage of being completely fresh.
Iran’s Players to Watch
Iran remains one of the traditional powers of Asian basketball.
This isn’t quite the same Iranian generation Filipino fans remember from the Hamed Haddadi era, but there is still plenty of talent.
Several players deserve particular attention.
Matin Aghajanpour
Aghajanpour was Iran’s leading scorer against New Zealand.
He finished with:
19 points
He also made four three-pointers.
That’s something Gilas cannot ignore.
If the Philippines’ big men collapse too aggressively into the paint, Iran has players capable of making them pay from outside.
FIBA also highlighted Aghajanpour as one of the players to watch entering this qualifying window after he scored in double figures in five of Iran’s six first-round games.
Mohammad Amini
Another name Filipino fans should know is Mohammad Amini.
The 21-year-old returned to the Iranian national team specifically for this window after joining the squad in Manila.
Amini currently plays professionally in France.
Against New Zealand, he immediately showed why Iran wanted him back.
He finished with:
- 16 points
- 5 rebounds
- 2 steals
He also attempted nine free throws, which tells you something about how aggressively he attacks.
Amini struggled from three against New Zealand, going 0-for-5, but Gilas can’t assume that will continue.
He’s one of Iran’s most dangerous young players.
Seyed Mahdi Jafari
Jafari had a very productive game against New Zealand.
He recorded:
- 14 points
- 6 assists
- 3 rebounds
That six-assist total is particularly important.
Gilas will have to pressure Iran’s ball-handlers without giving them easy passing lanes into the paint.
Mohammad Jamshidi
Veteran Mohammad Jamshidi remains another familiar name in Iranian basketball.
He scored 12 points off the bench against New Zealand.
Jamshidi has years of experience in major Asian competitions, and those veteran players can become particularly dangerous in a close fourth quarter.
Arsalan Kazemi
Then there is Arsalan Kazemi.
Kazemi may not always score heavily, but his impact is often felt in rebounding and physical play.
Against New Zealand, he finished with:
- 7 points
- 9 rebounds
Across the qualifiers, FIBA lists him as Iran’s leading rebounder at more than 10 boards per game.
That sets up an interesting battle with Kai Sotto, AJ Edu and June Mar Fajardo.
If Gilas wins the rebounding battle, it will remove one of Iran’s biggest sources of extra possessions.
Iran Is Missing Sina Vahedi
Iran is also dealing with an important absence.
Sina Vahedi, one of the team’s leading scorers during the qualifiers, is unavailable for Window 4.
That removes one of Iran’s most dangerous offensive options.
But the return of Mohammad Amini helps soften that blow.
So this is still a very talented Iranian team.
Philippines vs Iran Head-to-Head History
Iran has historically had the better of the Philippines in official FIBA competition.
According to FIBA’s game page, Iran holds a 6–1 advantage over the Philippines in the listed head-to-head matchups.
Some notable meetings include:
2013 FIBA Asia Championship Final
Iran defeated the Philippines, 85–71, at the Mall of Asia Arena.
That game remains painful for many Filipino fans because Gilas had already secured qualification for the 2014 World Cup but missed an opportunity to win the Asian championship at home.
2015 FIBA Asia Championship
The Philippines got some revenge in 2015, defeating Iran, 87–73.
2018 World Cup Asian Qualifiers
Iran defeated Gilas twice during the qualifying campaign.
2019 FIBA World Cup
Iran beat the Philippines, 95–75.
So historically, Iran has been a difficult opponent for Gilas.
But this current Philippine team looks very different.
Kai Sotto is now one of the centerpieces.
Kevin Quiambao and Carl Tamayo represent a younger generation.
AJ Edu gives Gilas another international-caliber big man.
And Tim Cone’s system is different from what the Philippines used in many of those previous meetings.
The Asian Games Adds Another Layer to the Rivalry
Filipino fans may also remember that the Philippines defeated Iran during its historic run to the Asian Games gold medal.
That wasn’t a FIBA World Cup qualifying game, so it isn’t included in FIBA’s official head-to-head record listed above.
But emotionally, it matters.
This is a rivalry that has been around for years.
For a generation of Filipino basketball fans, Iran was one of the teams Gilas needed to beat if it wanted to prove it belonged among Asia’s elite.
Sunday gives us another chapter.
Current Group E Standings
Following Friday’s games, the race looks like this:
| Team | Record |
|---|---|
| Australia | 7–0 |
| Jordan | 5–2 |
| Iran | 5–2 |
| New Zealand | 5–2 |
| Philippines | 3–4 |
| Syria | 2–5 |
Gilas still has work to do.
But look at the difference one win made.
Had the Philippines lost to Jordan, Gilas would be sitting at 2–5.
Instead, it is 3–4 and chasing three teams at 5–2.
That’s still a two-game gap, but it’s manageable.
And Sunday’s results could tighten things further.
What Happens If Gilas Beats Iran?
This is the biggest reason to watch.
A Gilas victory would improve the Philippines to:
4–4
Iran would fall to:
5–3
That would put the Philippines only one win behind Iran.
And depending on the Australia-Jordan result earlier Sunday, the standings could become even tighter.
That’s a very different situation from where Gilas stood entering Window 4.
Imagine this:
Gilas started the second round at 2–4 after losing four consecutive games.
It then beats Jordan.
Then it beats Iran.
Suddenly the Philippines leaves the August window at 4–4 with momentum heading into the remaining qualifiers.
That would completely change the mood around this campaign.
What Happens If Gilas Loses?
A defeat would drop the Philippines to:
3–5
That wouldn’t mathematically eliminate Gilas.
There would still be more qualifying games to play.
But the margin for error would become extremely small.
That’s why every game from this point forward feels important.
The top three teams in Group E qualify directly for the World Cup, while there is also an additional qualification route involving the best fourth-place finisher. FIBA has confirmed that seven teams will advance through the Asian qualifying competition alongside automatically qualified host Qatar.
Gilas doesn’t want to depend on complicated fourth-place calculations.
Winning is much simpler.
Five Keys for Gilas Against Iran
So how can the Philippines make it two straight?
A few things stand out.
1. Control the rebounds
Iran is physical.
Kazemi is an excellent rebounder.
Gilas needs Sotto, Edu and Fajardo to control the defensive glass.
Giving Iran multiple shots on the same possession would make an already difficult game even harder.
2. Push the pace when possible
Iran generally looks more comfortable when it can organize defensively.
CJ Perez showed against Jordan how dangerous Gilas can be when it attacks before the defense gets set.
The Philippines shouldn’t recklessly run every possession, but opportunities to score in transition should be taken.
3. Get Kai involved early
Sotto needs touches.
That doesn’t mean forcing ten post-ups in the first quarter.
Use him in pick-and-rolls.
Let him facilitate.
Throw lobs.
Get him offensive rebounds.
Make Iran’s defense think about him on every possession.
4. Make open threes
This is still one of the biggest questions around Gilas.
Iran made nine three-pointers against New Zealand.
Gilas cannot continually trade twos for threes.
Quiambao, Ramos and the rest of the perimeter players need to punish Iran when it collapses on Sotto.
5. Find another collective Brownlee performance
Brownlee isn’t walking through that tunnel Sunday.
Gilas needs another team effort.
Maybe Sotto scores 20.
Maybe Perez attacks.
Maybe Dwight Ramos gets hot.
Maybe Kevin Quiambao hits another huge shot.
Maybe June Mar dominates a stretch inside.
The identity of the leading scorer isn’t important.
The production has to come from somewhere.
Dwight Ramos Could Be Due for a Big Game
One player I wouldn’t overlook is Dwight Ramos.
He quietly scored 14 points against Jordan.
Ramos has become one of the most consistent members of Gilas over the last several years, and he’s comfortable in international basketball.
Without Brownlee, Tim Cone needs him to be more than a connector.
Gilas may need Ramos to actively hunt his shot.
Iran’s defense is unlikely to give the Philippines many easy possessions.
Having another player capable of creating something when the offense breaks down could be crucial.
June Mar Fajardo Could Be Important Against Iran
This could also be a matchup where June Mar Fajardo’s experience matters.
Kai is obviously the bigger headline right now.
But Fajardo gives Gilas a completely different type of center.
He can establish position.
He can score with his back to the basket.
He can punish smaller defenders.
And perhaps most importantly, playing Fajardo allows Cone to rest Sotto without giving up an experienced interior scorer.
Considering the short turnaround between games, that could become extremely valuable.
Don’t Forget AJ Edu
AJ Edu may not always put up huge scoring numbers, but his defensive versatility is one of Gilas’ best weapons.
Against Iran, Edu could be asked to:
- defend multiple frontcourt positions
- switch onto smaller players
- protect the rim
- rebound
- run in transition
The combination of Sotto and Edu gives the Philippines length and athleticism that previous Gilas teams didn’t always have.
That could become particularly useful against Amini and Iran’s bigger wings.
Expect Another Physical Game
If you’re expecting an easy Gilas victory because Iran just lost to New Zealand, don’t.
Iran is 5–2 for a reason.
This is an experienced national-team program.
Several Iranian players have been through major FIBA competitions.
And Sunday’s loss to New Zealand probably makes them more dangerous, not less.
Iran knows that another defeat would pull the Philippines closer in the standings.
Gilas knows a win could transform its World Cup campaign.
So don’t be surprised if this becomes another physical, tense game that isn’t decided until the fourth quarter.
After Friday night’s overtime drama, Filipino fans might want to prepare themselves for another stressful evening.
Gilas Pilipinas vs Iran Prediction
This feels much more competitive now than it might have looked a week ago.
Before the Jordan game, the biggest question was whether Gilas could win against a quality opponent without Brownlee.
We now have an answer.
Yes.
But doing it twice in three days is another challenge.
Iran has talent.
It has size.
It has experience.
And Mohammad Amini’s return gives the team another offensive weapon.
Still, Gilas has several things going for it.
The game is in Manila.
Kai Sotto looks healthy.
CJ Perez is playing aggressively.
Kevin Quiambao just made a huge clutch shot.
Dwight Ramos remains dependable.
And the Philippine crowd should once again provide a genuine home-court advantage.
The biggest concern is Tamayo.
If he can’t play, Gilas loses one of its most versatile forwards.
Even then, this feels like a game the Philippines can win.
It probably won’t be comfortable.
But after what happened Friday night, maybe Gilas fans shouldn’t expect comfortable anymore.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Gilas Pilipinas vs Iran?
Gilas Pilipinas plays Iran on Sunday, August 30, 2026.
What time is Gilas vs Iran?
The game is scheduled to begin at 8:00 PM Philippine Time.
Where will Gilas Pilipinas vs Iran be played?
The game will be played at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
What tournament is the game part of?
Philippines vs Iran is part of the second round of the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027 Asian Qualifiers.
Where can I watch Gilas vs Iran?
Current Philippine listings include One Sports, One Sports+ and RPTV for television coverage, with Pilipinas Live and the One Sports YouTube channel among the listed online options.
Is there a free live stream for Gilas vs Iran?
Current listings indicate that One Sports is expected to provide an official YouTube stream, while Pilipinas Live is another online viewing option. Check the official platforms shortly before game time for final availability.
What is Gilas Pilipinas’ record?
The Philippines enters the Iran game with a 3–4 record after defeating Jordan in overtime.
What is Iran’s record?
Iran is 5–2 after losing to New Zealand, 93–91, in overtime on August 28.
Will Kai Sotto play against Iran?
Kai Sotto is expected to play after starring in Gilas’ win over Jordan.
How many points did Kai Sotto score against Jordan?
Sotto scored 18 points and grabbed 14 rebounds in his comeback game.
Will Carl Tamayo play against Iran?
Tamayo is currently questionable after suffering a sprained left ankle against Jordan. His status is being evaluated ahead of Sunday’s game.
Who could replace Carl Tamayo?
Tim Cone said Justin Arana and RJ Abarrientos are on standby if Tamayo cannot play.
Will Justin Brownlee play against Iran?
No. Brownlee is unavailable for the August qualifying window as he continues to recover from physical issues.
Who are Iran’s players to watch?
Some of Iran’s important players include Matin Aghajanpour, Mohammad Amini, Arsalan Kazemi, Seyed Mahdi Jafari and veteran Mohammad Jamshidi.
How did Iran do against New Zealand?
Iran lost to New Zealand, 93–91, in overtime on August 28 at the Mall of Asia Arena.
What happens if Gilas beats Iran?
A win would improve the Philippines to 4–4 while dropping Iran to 5–3, significantly tightening the Group E qualification race.
Final Thoughts
Friday night reminded us why watching Gilas Pilipinas can be both exhausting and incredibly fun.
Down 18.
No Justin Brownlee.
Carl Tamayo injured.
Overtime.
Kevin Quiambao hits a massive three.
Then Kai Sotto blocks the potential game-winner at the buzzer.
Somehow, Gilas walked out of the Mall of Asia Arena with an 82–81 victory.
But that win becomes much more meaningful if the Philippines can follow it up.
Iran is next.
And this may be an even bigger test.
Iran has historically been one of the Philippines’ toughest opponents in Asian basketball. It enters Sunday at 5–2 and knows that Gilas is trying to close the gap.
The Philippines, meanwhile, finally has momentum again.
Kai Sotto is back and immediately making a difference.
CJ Perez showed he can take over late.
Kevin Quiambao showed he isn’t afraid of a clutch shot.
Dwight Ramos remains steady.
And Gilas proved against Jordan that it doesn’t need to wait for Justin Brownlee to rescue every difficult game.
Now they have to prove it wasn’t a one-night thing.
A win Sunday would move Gilas to 4–4.
More importantly, it would turn what looked like a difficult World Cup qualifying campaign only a few days ago into a genuine race again.
So if you’re a Gilas fan, Sunday night is another one you probably don’t want to miss.
Gilas Pilipinas vs Iran.
August 30.
8:00 PM.
Mall of Asia Arena.
After Friday’s thriller, who knows what Gilas has planned for an encore?
