Finland vs Sweden

• Date: 27 August 2026, 18:30 local (15:30 UTC)
• Competition: FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027 European Qualifiers — Second Round, Group L
• Venue: Veikkaus Arena, Helsinki, Finland
• Attendance: 12,401
• Referees: Ademir Zurapovic (BIH), Lorenzo Baldini (ITA), Ritvars Helmsteins (LAT)
• Technical Delegate: Adam Greczyło (POL)
• Final Score: Finland 81-86 Sweden

Sweden completed a remarkable turnaround from an 0-3 start to qualification by winning their fourth straight game, stunning Finland 86-81 in front of 12,401 fans at Veikkaus Arena on Thursday.

Pelle Larsson delivered a match-high 31 points and 5 rebounds, while Simon Birgander added 17 points and 10 rebounds as Sweden clawed back from a seven-point third-quarter deficit to steal a vital road victory in Group L.

Finland appeared to seize control late in the third period when Olivier Nkamhoua knocked down a three-pointer to open a 56-49 advantage. The home crowd — the ninth-largest in FIBA Basketball World Cup European Qualifiers history — roared in anticipation of a statement win.

Instead, Sweden responded with composure. Larsson and Birgander sparked a run that flipped the momentum, and the visitors regained the lead before the end of the quarter. Sweden held their nerve through a tense fourth period, withstanding Finland's late pressure to close out a five-point win.

The night belonged to Sweden's defence as much as its offence. Finland's NBA star Lauri Markkanen was held to 11 points on 2-for-13 shooting from the field — a performance well below his usual standard and a key factor in the home side's inability to pull away.

Nkamhoua's three-pointer gave Finland a 56-49 lead with the crowd at full voice. But Sweden's immediate response — a composed 9-2 run to close the third quarter — erased the advantage and shifted the psychological momentum. From that point, Sweden never trailed by more than a possession and controlled the tempo in the fourth quarter.

Pelle Larsson (Sweden) — Player of the Match: 31 points, 5 rebounds. The guard was a menace on both ends, scoring at all three levels and forcing Finland's defence into constant rotation.

Simon Birgander (Sweden): 17 points, 10 rebounds. The double-double provided the interior presence Sweden needed, particularly on the offensive glass.

Lauri Markkanen (Finland): 11 points (2/13 FG). The Utah Jazz star was effectively neutralised by Sweden's defensive scheme.

Sweden entered the Second Round averaging 82.3 points per game in qualification — the highest mark in Group L — and hit 86 against a Finland defence that had conceded 78 on average. Finland's 52.9% two-point shooting average was muted, while Sweden's 55.7% two-point shooting efficiency showed through Birgander's work inside. The 12,401 crowd was the ninth-largest in European Qualifiers history, per FIBA.

Both teams now sit at 4-3 in Group L. Sweden's fourth straight win — after opening qualification with three consecutive defeats — represents one of the most dramatic form swings in the European Qualifiers. Finland drop to .500 and miss the chance to create early separation.

Finland next face Estonia away on 30 August, while Sweden host France at Avicii Arena in Stockholm on the same day.

Sweden's winning streak is no fluke. Larsson has emerged as the go-to scorer this team lacked early in qualifying, and the defensive discipline to hold Markkanen to 2-for-13 shows a side that has found its identity.

Pelle Larsson (Sweden) — 31 points, 5 rebounds