Croatia vs Germany FIBA World Cup 2027 Qualifiers How To Watch and Game Preview

• → Game to take place at the Drazen Petrovic Basketball Center, Zagreb on Friday, February 27, 2026 at 20:00 Local Time (CET, GMT+1)
• → Form check: Croatia (2-0) opened by blowing out Cyprus 100-60, then handled Israel 85-71; Germany (2-0) beat Israel 89-69 and won in Cyprus 83-64
• → Context: Group E has a clear early separating line - the unbeaten pair meet in Zagreb, then run it back in Bonn two days later, with first place (and real breathing room) on the table

World champs, road game, no shortcuts

Croatia’s February list looks like a team that wants to play big without playing slow. Mario Hezonja is the center of gravity - a big wing who can score over contests, rebound like a forward, and create mismatches when smaller defenders switch onto him. Add Dario Saric as the connector piece who can pass, pop, and punish the glass, and Croatia suddenly have a frontcourt that can win possessions without needing a perfect play call.

There’s also meaningful depth here: Luka Samanic gives them another skilled body at the four/five spots, Luka Bozic brings physicality and secondary creation, and the guard group (including Jaleen Smith and Dominik Mavra) has enough ball-handling to keep Croatia out of the mud when Germany turns up the pressure.

The simple Croatia question: can they score efficiently when the first look is gone? Germany are good at making you take the “next” shot — the one you don’t really want.

Germany: the next-wave core, still playing the same way

Germany’s window roster has a familiar feel: disciplined, connected, and built to win with structure. Oscar da Silva has been a tone-setter in these qualifiers: a reliable scoring option who also anchors possessions with rebounding and physical finishes. Johannes Thiemann gives them a steady big, Justus Hollatz brings tempo control at guard, and shooters like David Kramer and Jonas Mattisseck have shown they can make you pay if given enough space.

This isn’t about star power as much as it is about habits. Germany don’t usually beat themselves: they defend, rebound, and force you to execute late in the clock. If Croatia’s offense gets a little loose, Germany are comfortable turning those mistakes into simple points.

It’s early, but it’s direct: Croatia and Germany are tied at 2-0, and this two-game set can create separation fast. In a four-team group where the top three move on, first place isn’t a trophy, it’s leverage, especially when tie-breakers and carry-over results start to matter later.

How to watch Croatia vs Germany

Stream Croatia vs Germany live from the Drazen Petrovic Basketball Center on Courtside 1891 and pick the Max Event Pass for this event window or go Max Annual for year-round access to the FIBA Basketball World Cup Qualifiers and other FIBA competitions. Regional availability and blackouts may apply.