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Great Britain produced the biggest comeback of the Ottawa 2026 IWBF Wheelchair Basketball World Championships so far on Tuesday, 15 September. The British recovered from an 18-point first-half deficit to defeat Japan 68–66 and secure their place in the semi-finals.
Japan dominated the first half and opened up an 18-point lead during the second quarter, but Great Britain fought back and took control in the closing stages. On an inspired night, Gregg Warburton scored 12 of his 18 points in the fourth quarter to lead a comeback that had previously seemed unlikely.
Philip Pratt also delivered an outstanding performance, finishing with 24 points, eight rebounds and eight assists.
For Japan, Renshi Chokai led the way with 25 points, eight rebounds and 13 assists.
The result sends Great Britain into the semi-finals, where they will face Italy. Japan, who topped Group C during the preliminary round, move into the 5th–8th-place classification games and will face Poland on Wednesday, 16 September, at 19:00.
Italy return to the semi-finals after 16 years
Italy secured their place in the semi-finals by defeating Poland 75–68 at TD Place. The result puts the Italians back among the top four at a World Championship for the first time in 16 years.
Filippo Carossino and Giulio Maria Papi helped Italy withstand Poland’s momentum and decide the contest down the stretch. Carossino led the game with 26 points and came close to a triple-double, adding nine rebounds and eight assists. Papi contributed 22 points and nine rebounds.
Marek Wesołowski led Poland with 15 points.
Italy will now face Great Britain in the semi-finals.
Australia hold off Spain as Germany knock out defending champions USA
Australia survived a late challenge from Spain to claim a 70–66 victory and secure their place in the semi-finals.
The Rollers were led by an exceptional performance from Jaylen Brown, who recorded 41 points and 10 rebounds. Ignacio “Pincho” Ortega led Spain with 20 points.
Australia will face Germany, who produced a historic result by defeating the USA 67–64. The Americans entered the quarter-final as the reigning world and Paralympic champions and had not lost a World Championship game since the group stage in Dubai in 2022. Aliaksandr Halouski led Germany with 23 points, while Jorge Salazar was the standout performer for the USA with 26 points and 10 rebounds.
In the opening 9th–16th-place classification games, Brazil recorded their first victory of the World Championships by defeating Morocco 79–47, led by Cristiano Clemente’s 31 points.
Argentina also recorded their first victory of the tournament, overcoming hosts Canada 78–67. Carlos Esteche led Argentina with 29 points.
Brazil and Argentina now await the winners of the remaining 9th–16th-place classification games, which continue on Wednesday, 16 September.
The men’s classification games continue on Wednesday before attention turns to the semi-finals, with Italy facing Great Britain and Australia taking on Germany. Follow the complete schedule, results and statistics on the official Ottawa 2026 event page.
Results – 15 September
Men’s Competition
- Brazil 79–47 Morocco (9th–16th place)
- Canada 67–78 Argentina (9th–16th place)
- Australia 70–66 Spain (quarter-final)
- Italy 75–68 Poland (quarter-final)
- Germany 67–64 USA (quarter-final)
- Japan 66–68 Great Britain (quarter-final)
Schedule – 16 September
Men’s Competition
- 14:30 – Türkiye vs Colombia, Carleton University (9th–16th place)
- 16:45 – USA vs Spain, Carleton University (5th–8th place)
- 19:00 – Japan vs Poland, Carleton University (5th–8th place)
Schedule – 17 September
Men’s Competition– Semi-finals
- 12:30 - Australia vs Germany, TD Place (Semi-Final)
- 17:00 - Italy vs Great Britain, TD Place (Semi-Final)
The full schedule, results, team rosters and live statistics are available through the official Ottawa 2026 competition pages. All Round of 16 games can also be watched live on the IWBF and Wheelchair Basketball Canada YouTube channels.
