Sweden pulled off a major road win over Finland at the Veikkaus Arena in Helsinki to open the Second Round of the European Qualifiers for the 2027 FIBA Basketball World Cup.
It was Sweden’s fourth consecutive win, moving them to 4-3 in Group L, the same record as Finland.
Once again, Pelle Larsson, the Miami Heat wing, was the star of the show, putting together a superb performance with 31 points (9/17 FG, 11/14 FT) and 5 rebounds. Simon Birgander also made a major impact, recording a double-double with 17 points (7/8 FG) and 10 rebounds.
Sweden also benefited from a strong all-around performance by Bobi Klintman — 5 points, 10 rebounds, 5 assists and 1 block in 32 minutes for the Virtus Bologna forward, who was coach Riipinen’s most-used player — as they held highly anticipated star Lauri Markkanen to just 11 points on 2/13 shooting.
The victory was made even more impressive by the atmosphere inside the Veikkaus Arena, which welcomed 12,401 spectators, the ninth-largest crowd in European Qualifiers history.
Finland appeared to take control late in the third quarter, opening a 56-49 lead on a three-pointer by Olivier Nkamhoua, who led Finland with 19 points. Sweden, however, responded behind Larsson and Birgander, regained the lead and showed enough composure to withstand Finland’s late comeback attempt.
Another statement win for Sweden, who continue their remarkable winning streak after coming close to elimination in the First Round.
Pelle Larsson drops 31 PTS, as he leads Sweden 🇸🇪 to a crucial victory over Finland away from home 🤯#FIBAWC | #StepItUp pic.twitter.com/FLlozKi5EP
— FIBA Basketball World Cup 🏆 (@FIBAWC) August 27, 2026
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