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World Cup 2023: Slovenia to meet China in their first preparation game

Slovenia will play China Tuesday 25. July in their first preparation game. The Slovenia World Cup preparation schedule features seven games over the next month  

By MetteRobertson
/ new
Slovenia v Poland: Quarterfinal Round - FIBA EuroBasket 2022 Photo by Maja Hitij/Getty Images

Luka Dončić and the Slovenian national team are playing Team USA, Montenegro, Greece, Spain and Japan as part of their preparation for the FIBA World Cup 2023.

China, July 25th, in Celje, Slovenia, 8.30 pm local time, 1:30 pm CT

Luka Dončić is not expected to play in this first preparation game, as he’s not joining the team until a few days after the game.

How to watch: Slovenian channel Sportklub1 or Eon app (Telemach) (Available in Europe only).

Greece, August 2nd, in Ljubljana, Slovenia, 8.30 pm local time, 1:30 pm CT

The first real test, two European powerhouses meeting, with Luka Dončić and Giannis Antetokounmpo facing off in a sold out arena. Both Luka Doncic and Giannis Antetokounmpo are expected to play as of now.

Greece, August 4th, in Athens, Greece, TBA

The second game between the two superstars may be even more entertaining, if both are able to play.

*Montenegro, August 8th, in Ljubljana, Slovenia, 6.00 pm local time, 11:00 am CT

Slovenia was initially scheduled to meet Croatia in a game that had been in the books for months. But only days before the game was supposed to take place, Croatia canceled. Montenegro, another Balkan nation and World Cup participant, was luckily able to step in and take over the slot.

Spain, August 11th, in Malaga, Spain, TBA

The team will travel to Spain and play two games here. The EuroBasket Champions 2022 will be a good test for the Slovenian team ahead of the World Cup.

USA, August 12th, in Malaga, Spain, TBA

Slovenia will face Team USA, one of the favorites to win it all. Another great test.

Japan, August 19th, in Tokyo, Japan, TBA

The last test will be against Japan after the long trip East.

The first group stage for the World Cup starts August 25th with Slovenia playing in Group F in Okinawa, Japan, and face Cape Verde, Georgia, and Venezuela.

If Slovenia advances to the Second Round, it will meet the best two teams from Group E, consisting of Germany, Finland, Australia, and one of the host nations, Japan.

*This article was updated on 28th July 2023 with the news of Croatia canceling and Montenegro taking over.

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