Gilas Pilipinas is back on the court, and this is not just another international basketball game.
The Philippines will face Jordan on Friday, August 28, 2026, in the fourth window of the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027 Asian Qualifiers. Tip-off is scheduled for 8:30 PM at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
For Gilas, the situation is becoming increasingly serious. The Philippines enters the second round with a 2–4 record, while Jordan is sitting comfortably at 5–1. With only the top teams eventually earning places in the 2027 FIBA Basketball World Cup in Qatar, Gilas cannot afford to keep dropping games.
There is good news, however. Kai Sotto is finally back with Gilas after nearly two years away from the national team.
There is also one major setback: Justin Brownlee will not play against Jordan or Iran in this window, meaning Tim Cone will have to find a way to win without the naturalized star who has delivered so many memorable performances for the Philippines.
Here is everything Filipino basketball fans need to know about Gilas Pilipinas vs Jordan, including the schedule, game time, venue, possible lineup, live stream, TV coverage, tickets, standings and what is at stake.
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Gilas Pilipinas vs Jordan 2026 Game Details
| Details | Gilas Pilipinas vs Jordan |
|---|---|
| Tournament | FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027 Asian Qualifiers |
| Round | Second Round – Group E |
| Date | Friday, August 28, 2026 |
| Time | 8:30 PM Philippine Time |
| Venue | SM Mall of Asia Arena |
| Location | Pasay City, Metro Manila |
| Philippines record | 2–4 |
| Jordan record | 5–1 |
| Philippines coach | Tim Cone |
The game is technically listed by FIBA as Jordan vs Philippines, but it will be played in Manila. All Group E games for this qualifying window are being staged at the Mall of Asia Arena.
So yes, Filipino fans will effectively have a home-court atmosphere behind Gilas.
What Time Is Gilas Pilipinas vs Jordan?
The Gilas Pilipinas vs Jordan game starts at:
8:30 PM Philippine Time on Friday, August 28, 2026
If you’re watching from the Philippines, there’s no time-zone conversion to worry about.
The official Mall of Asia Arena event schedule lists the game from 8:30 PM to approximately 10:00 PM.
I would recommend tuning in earlier, especially if you’re watching online. Pre-game coverage, starting-lineup announcements and other updates may begin before the actual tip-off.
Where Is Gilas vs Jordan Being Played?
Gilas Pilipinas and Jordan will play at the:
SM Mall of Asia Arena
Mall of Asia Complex
Pasay City, Metro Manila
This is an important advantage for Gilas.
Coach Tim Cone has openly talked about how important the Manila crowd could be during this critical stretch. The Philippines has lost four consecutive World Cup qualifying games, so playing in front of thousands of Filipino supporters could provide exactly the kind of energy the team needs.
How to Watch Gilas Pilipinas vs Jordan on TV
Filipino basketball fans should have several ways to watch the game.
Current Philippine broadcast information lists the Gilas-Jordan matchup on:
- One Sports
- One Sports+
- RPTV
- Pilipinas Live
FIBA and Cignal have an expanded broadcasting agreement covering the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027 and its qualifiers in the Philippines. The agreement includes free-to-air coverage through One Sports and RPTV, pay-TV coverage through channels such as One Sports+, and streaming through Pilipinas Live and other Cignal platforms.
Check your local TV provider’s schedule close to tip-off in case of programming changes.
Is There a Free Gilas vs Jordan Live Stream?
Yes, there should be a free online option for viewers in the Philippines.
Current local listings indicate that One Sports will stream Gilas Pilipinas vs Jordan through its official YouTube channel. The game is also listed for streaming through Pilipinas Live.
Where to watch online
You can check:
- One Sports official YouTube channel
- Pilipinas Live app
- Pilipinas Live website
Pilipinas Live currently allows registered users to access the Gilas coverage listed for this game.
If you’re outside the Philippines, broadcast availability may be different because of geographic rights restrictions. FIBA also provides international viewing information through its official game pages and streaming partners.
Avoid unofficial streaming sites whenever possible. Aside from questionable legality, these streams are often filled with pop-ups, delays and poor-quality feeds. The official broadcasters are the safer option.
Gilas Pilipinas Lineup vs Jordan
This is one section fans will want to keep checking because the final 12-man game roster can be confirmed close to tip-off.
FIBA’s Window 4 roster tracker lists the following players in the Philippines’ preliminary pool:
- RJ Abarrientos
- Justin Arana
- Justine Baltazar
- Justin Brownlee
- Geo Chiu
- AJ Edu
- June Mar Fajardo
- Juan Gomez de Liaño
- Ange Kouame
- Quentin Millora-Brown
- Chris Newsome
- Calvin Oftana
- CJ Perez
- Mike Phillips
- Roger Pogoy
- Kevin Quiambao
- Dwight Ramos
- Troy Rosario
- Kai Sotto
- Carl Tamayo
- Scottie Thompson
Important: this is the preliminary pool and should not automatically be treated as the final 12 for the Jordan game.
FIBA itself notes that players appearing on its roster tracker do not necessarily represent the final roster that will take the court.
Justin Brownlee will not play
One name we already know will not be part of the active lineup is Justin Brownlee.
Tim Cone confirmed that Brownlee will sit out the games against both Jordan and Iran as he continues dealing with health and injury concerns.
That changes the entire complexion of this Gilas team.
Brownlee normally gives the Philippines an elite isolation scorer, three-point threat, rebounder and late-game option. Without him, Gilas will have to rely much more heavily on its local players.
And that’s where Kai Sotto’s return becomes even more important.
Kai Sotto Is Finally Back for Gilas
For many fans, this will be the biggest reason to watch.
Kai Sotto is returning to the Philippine national team after roughly 21 months away from Gilas competition.
His previous senior national-team appearance came during the November 2024 FIBA Asia Cup qualifying window. He later suffered a torn ACL in Japan in January 2025, delaying his return to international basketball.
Now the 7-foot-3 center is back.
And Tim Cone has described Sotto as a game-changer for Gilas.
It’s easy to see why.
Sotto gives the Philippines something that is difficult to replicate: legitimate international size combined with mobility, finishing ability, rim protection and improving passing.
His last stretch with Gilas showed just how much his game had developed. During the 2025 FIBA Asia Cup Qualifiers, Sotto averaged 15.5 points, 12.5 rebounds and 3.8 assists per game.
Against Jordan, his presence could completely change the way Gilas attacks and defends.
The Gilas Frontcourt Could Be the Key
Even without Brownlee, this Philippine lineup has plenty of size.
Tim Cone has specifically pointed to the presence of:
- Kai Sotto
- June Mar Fajardo
- AJ Edu
Cone believes Gilas has enough size to compete successfully in this window.
That’s an intriguing combination.
Sotto provides length and finishing.
June Mar gives Gilas one of the most polished low-post players in Asian basketball.
AJ Edu provides mobility, rebounding and defensive versatility.
Depending on the rotations, Carl Tamayo and Kevin Quiambao can also provide additional size and shooting from the forward positions.
Gilas may not have Brownlee’s shot creation, but it could have a significant interior presence.
June Mar Fajardo Has Another Important Role
This window may also have extra meaning for June Mar Fajardo.
The veteran big man had reportedly considered ending his national-team career following the previous qualifying window but decided to continue playing for Gilas.
That gives Tim Cone another experienced weapon against Jordan.
Fajardo’s ability to establish position inside could force Jordan to collapse its defense, potentially opening opportunities for shooters such as Dwight Ramos, Kevin Quiambao, Calvin Oftana and CJ Perez.
And in a tight game, having an experienced player who has been through countless pressure situations could become extremely valuable.
Dwight Ramos May Need to Take a Bigger Scoring Role
Another player to watch closely is Dwight Ramos.
With Brownlee unavailable, Gilas needs players who aren’t afraid to create shots and attack the basket.
Ramos has increasingly become one of the faces of the national team, and Tim Cone will need his consistency against Jordan. Recent reports have specifically pointed to Ramos as one of the players expected to shoulder more responsibility in Brownlee’s absence.
This could be one of those games where Gilas needs Ramos to be aggressive instead of simply facilitating.
Scottie Thompson’s Return Matters Too
Scottie Thompson is another important piece available in the Window 4 pool.
His value doesn’t always appear in the scoring column.
Scottie gives Gilas rebounding from the guard position, defense, ball movement, hustle and the ability to create extra possessions.
Those little things can become huge against a team as experienced as Jordan.
Who Are Jordan’s Players to Watch?
Jordan should not be viewed as an underdog simply because this game is being played in Manila.
The Jordanians reached the second round with an excellent 5–1 record and entered Group E tied with Iran behind unbeaten Australia.
Several players deserve particular attention.
Jalen Harris
Jalen Harris has been Jordan’s biggest scorer during the qualifiers.
According to FIBA’s official statistics, Harris is averaging 27.0 points per game and leads Jordan in scoring.
Containing him should be one of Gilas’ biggest defensive priorities.
If Harris gets comfortable early, the Philippines could have a difficult night.
Ahmad Al-Dwairi
Filipino fans who follow Asian basketball should also recognize Ahmad Al-Dwairi.
The veteran center remains an important presence inside for Jordan, averaging 12.2 points and 7.8 rebounds during the qualifiers.
That creates an interesting matchup against the Philippines’ collection of big men.
Kai Sotto, June Mar Fajardo and AJ Edu could all see time defending Jordan’s interior attack.
Freddy Ibrahim
Freddy Ibrahim is another crucial piece.
He is averaging 11.2 points and a team-leading 5.8 assists per game.
Ibrahim’s ability to organize Jordan’s offense means Gilas cannot concentrate only on stopping Harris.
Jordan has multiple players capable of hurting the Philippines.
Jordan Has a New Coach
There is another wrinkle to this matchup.
Jordan is now coached by Spanish tactician Luis Guil.
Guil is known for his defensive approach and brings extensive international coaching experience. He also has some familiarity with Philippine basketball after previously working with San Beda during training camps in Spain.
That means the Jordan team Gilas faces in 2026 may look quite different tactically from previous versions.
Expect a disciplined defensive game plan designed to make life difficult for Sotto and the Philippine guards.
Philippines vs Jordan: A Rematch With History
There is also a little extra emotion behind this matchup.
Filipino fans will remember Jordan from one of the greatest nights in recent Philippine basketball history.
The Philippines defeated Jordan, 70–60, in the Asian Games men’s basketball final in Hangzhou to win the gold medal.
That ended the country’s decades-long wait for another Asian Games men’s basketball championship.
Several members of the current Gilas group were part of that historic run, including June Mar Fajardo, Chris Newsome, Scottie Thompson and CJ Perez.
Jordan hasn’t forgotten it either.
Freddy Ibrahim and Ahmad Al-Dwairi, two major members of Jordan’s current team, were also part of that rivalry.
So while this is technically a World Cup qualifier rather than an Asian Games game, there is history between these two teams.
Why the Jordan Game Is So Important for Gilas
This is where things get serious.
Here are the Group E standings entering Window 4:
| Rank | Team | Record | Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Australia | 6–0 | 12 |
| 2 | Iran | 5–1 | 11 |
| 3 | Jordan | 5–1 | 11 |
| 4 | New Zealand | 4–2 | 10 |
| 5 | Philippines | 2–4 | 8 |
| 6 | Syria | 2–4 | 8 |
Gilas is already three victories behind Jordan and Iran.
And because results from the first round are carried into the second round, those four losses don’t disappear.
The Philippines has to start climbing.
That’s why Tim Cone has described this portion of the qualifiers as essentially a do-or-die situation.
A win over Jordan would move Gilas closer to the teams above it.
Another loss would make the qualification path considerably more difficult.
How Does Gilas Qualify for the 2027 FIBA World Cup?
The Asian Qualifiers began with 16 teams.
The remaining teams are now divided into Groups E and F for the second round.
Each team carries its first-round results and then plays home-and-away games against the three teams it did not previously face.
At the end of the second round:
- the top three teams from Group E qualify;
- the top three qualifying teams from Group F qualify;
- the best fourth-placed team also qualifies;
- Qatar is already qualified automatically as the 2027 World Cup host.
FIBA confirms that seven teams will advance through the Asian Qualifiers in addition to host Qatar.
So finishing outside the top three does not automatically eliminate Gilas, but relying on the best-fourth-place route would be risky.
The simplest path is to start winning now.
What Gilas Needs to Do Against Jordan
Jordan’s 5–1 record tells you immediately that this will not be easy.
For Gilas to win, several things could be particularly important.
Use Kai Sotto early
If Kai is healthy and comfortable, Gilas should make Jordan deal with his size immediately.
Getting him involved through pick-and-rolls, lobs, post-ups and offensive rebounds could force Jordan’s defense to collapse.
That can create open perimeter looks for Gilas’ shooters.
Control Jalen Harris
Jordan’s leading scorer cannot be allowed to find an easy rhythm.
Gilas has several potential defensive options, including Chris Newsome, Dwight Ramos and RR Pogoy if selected for the final 12.
Making Harris work for every possession could be one of the biggest keys to the game.
Win the rebounding battle
With Sotto, Fajardo, Edu and potentially other big forwards available, Gilas should be capable of competing strongly on the glass.
Second-chance points could be especially important in what may become a close, physical game.
Avoid turnovers
Without Brownlee, possessions become even more valuable.
Gilas cannot afford careless turnovers that allow Jordan to score in transition.
Let the crowd become a factor
This is one advantage Gilas absolutely has.
The game is in Manila.
If the Philippines can start strongly and give the crowd something to react to, the atmosphere inside the MOA Arena could become uncomfortable for Jordan.
Gilas vs Jordan Ticket Prices
Fans who want to watch the game live at the Mall of Asia Arena have several ticket categories.
Published ticket prices for Philippines vs Jordan are:
| Section | Regular Price |
|---|---|
| Courtside | ₱10,000 |
| SVIP A | ₱3,500 |
| SVIP B | ₱2,800 |
| VIP Seated A | ₱2,100 |
| VIP Seated B | ₱1,400 |
| Box Premium A | ₱700 |
| Box Premium B | ₱600 |
| Box Regular | ₱400 |
The same prices were listed in Metrobank’s official Gilas home-game ticket promotion and other current ticket information for the event.
Availability can change quickly, particularly as game day approaches, so check official SM Tickets channels for the latest inventory rather than relying on third-party resellers.
What Is Gilas Pilipinas’ Next Game After Jordan?
Gilas won’t have much time to recover.
After playing Jordan on Friday, the Philippines will face another Asian basketball powerhouse:
Gilas Pilipinas vs Iran
Date: Sunday, August 30, 2026
Time: 8:00 PM
Venue: SM Mall of Asia Arena
FIBA’s official schedule has the Philippines-Iran game as the final Group E matchup of the August 30 slate in Manila.
Iran also enters the second round at 5–1.
That means Gilas is facing two of the strongest teams in Group E within three days.
Gilas Pilipinas Remaining FIBA World Cup Qualifier Schedule
After Window 4, the Philippines will still have games in November 2026 and February 2027.
The remaining Group E opponents include Syria, Iran and Jordan before the qualifying campaign concludes.
Every result matters because first-round and second-round records are combined.
That makes the August games extremely valuable. Gilas doesn’t want to enter the final windows needing a near-perfect finish.
Gilas Pilipinas vs Jordan Prediction and What to Expect
This feels like a difficult game to predict.
Jordan enters with the much better qualifying record.
Gilas, however, has several advantages that shouldn’t be ignored.
The Philippines is playing at home.
Kai Sotto is back.
June Mar Fajardo remains available.
AJ Edu gives Gilas another athletic big man.
Dwight Ramos, Scottie Thompson, Kevin Quiambao, Carl Tamayo, Chris Newsome and the rest of the local core give Tim Cone plenty of options.
The obvious question is how the Philippines replaces Justin Brownlee.
Gilas isn’t going to replace Brownlee with one player. It probably has to replace him collectively.
More scoring from Ramos.
More interior production from Sotto and Fajardo.
More shooting from Quiambao, Tamayo and Oftana.
More hustle from Thompson.
More defense from Newsome and the guards.
That’s probably the formula.
And considering how tight the World Cup qualification race has become, the Philippines needs that formula to start working immediately.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Gilas Pilipinas vs Jordan?
Gilas Pilipinas plays Jordan on Friday, August 28, 2026.
What time is Gilas vs Jordan?
The game starts at 8:30 PM Philippine Time.
Where will Gilas Pilipinas vs Jordan be played?
The game will be held at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
What tournament is Gilas vs Jordan part of?
The game is part of the second round of the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027 Asian Qualifiers.
Where can I watch Gilas Pilipinas vs Jordan on TV?
Current Philippine coverage includes One Sports, One Sports+ and RPTV, with streaming also available through Pilipinas Live.
Is Gilas vs Jordan available on YouTube?
Current local listings indicate that One Sports will provide a free stream through its official YouTube channel. Check the official One Sports page close to game time for the live video.
Will Kai Sotto play against Jordan?
Kai Sotto has returned to Gilas and is expected to make his long-awaited national-team comeback during Window 4.
Will Justin Brownlee play against Jordan?
No. Tim Cone has confirmed that Brownlee will miss the games against Jordan and Iran while dealing with health and injury concerns.
Who is Jordan’s best player?
Jalen Harris is Jordan’s leading scorer in the qualifiers at 27.0 points per game. Ahmad Al-Dwairi and Freddy Ibrahim are also major players for Jordan.
What is Gilas Pilipinas’ record?
The Philippines enters the second round with a 2–4 record.
What is Jordan’s record?
Jordan enters with a 5–1 record.
What is Gilas’ next game after Jordan?
Gilas plays Iran on Sunday, August 30, 2026, at the Mall of Asia Arena.
Final Thoughts
There aren’t many meaningless Gilas games, but Gilas Pilipinas vs Jordan on August 28 feels especially important.
The Philippines has reached the point in the World Cup qualifying campaign where every win can significantly change its chances of reaching Qatar in 2027.
Gilas is only 2–4.
Jordan is 5–1.
Justin Brownlee isn’t available.
But Kai Sotto is finally back, June Mar Fajardo remains in the fight, and Gilas gets to play this game in front of a Filipino crowd at the Mall of Asia Arena.
For basketball fans, that’s already enough reason to tune in.
Friday night could also tell us much more about where this version of Gilas Pilipinas really stands.
Can the Philippines restart its World Cup campaign against one of Asia’s stronger teams?
We’ll find out when Gilas Pilipinas and Jordan tip off at 8:30 PM on August 28.
