Slovenia's World Cup Qualifiers to Proceed Without Doncic, Hayes

WHO:

hoopshype.com - Luka Doncic and Jaxson Hayes are not part of Slovenia's roster.

Eurohoops - The 19-man preliminary squad includes players like Lukas Bojovic, Miha Cerkvenik, Vlatko Cancar, and Stefan Joksimovic.

WHAT:

hoopshype.com - Slovenia will play preparation games against Latvia and Montenegro before World Cup qualifying matches against France and Hungary.

Eurohoops - Doncic will skip the late-August window of the 2027 FIBA World Cup Qualifiers for family reasons.

Eurohoops - Stefan Joksimovic, a 17-year-old guard, was named MVP of the U18 EuroBasket after averaging 23.1 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 3.7 assists.

WHERE:

hoopshype.com - Slovenia will host Hungary in Ljubljana and play against France in Paris.

WHEN:

hoopshype.com - The late-August window of the 2027 FIBA World Cup Qualifiers is upcoming.

WHY:

Eurohoops - Doncic stated, “The main reason is my daughters. The most important thing for me is being at home with my daughters. Right now, that’s what matters most,” regarding his absence.

HOW:

Eurohoops - Slovenia's Basketball Federation announced the 19-man preliminary squad for the World Cup Qualifiers.

(UPDATED August 10, 2026 13:22 UTC)

Slovenia's Basketball Federation has announced a 19-man preliminary squad for the upcoming World Cup Qualifiers, which includes players like Lukas Bojovic, Miha Cerkvenik, Vlatko Cancar, and Stefan Joksimovic, who recently earned MVP honors at the U18 EuroBasket. Notably, Luka Doncic and Jaxson Hayes will not be part of the roster, as Doncic has decided to skip the late-August window of the 2027 FIBA World Cup Qualifiers to focus on family, stating that being at home with his daughters is what matters most to him. Slovenia will host Hungary in Ljubljana and face France in Paris as they prepare for these crucial matches.