The Finnish men's basketball team, known as the Susijengi (Wolf Pack), struggled offensively during their World Cup qualifying match against Belgium, starting the game under considerable pressure as the favorites. They were down for most of the match but turned the game around in the last six minutes, thanks to a strong performance from Olivier Nkamhoua, who scored 23 points. Finland ultimately managed to secure a 71-66 victory, significantly aiding their standing in Group G of the qualifiers, tying for first place with Hungary and France.

Belgium had the upper hand for a majority of the match, leading by 10 points at one point, which put them in a challenging position as they attempt to qualify for the 2027 World Cup in Qatar. This match was crucial for both teams, particularly as Belgium is now at the bottom of their group, having lost all three of their matches so far. Meanwhile, Finland's victory not only boosts their morale but also reflects the competitiveness of the Group G qualifiers, which has seen many close encounters among the teams involved.

The qualification structure for the World Cup involves several groups, with the top three teams from each group advancing further, making every match in this round critical for future standings. Because the points accumulated in this round carry over to the next stage, Finland's recent performance is vital in their pursuit of a spot at the global tournament. The pressure now continues as they prepare for future matches in this tightly contested qualifying round.