Larsson guides Sweden to famous win in Slovenia to stay in World Cup race

Pelle Larsson shoots during Sweden's win in Ljubljana
Pelle Larsson shoots during Sweden's win in LjubljanaMETELKO/BILDBYRĹN / Shutterstock Editorial / Profimedia

A tremendous performance from the Miami Heat's Pelle Larsson gave Sweden an 88-79 win away against Slovenia that sees them through to the European second round of 2027 Basketball World Cup qualification.

Sweden needed two wins from their final two matches in Group H to make it through, and after an 87-76 victory over Czech Republic on 3rd July, they pulled off a brilliant performance in Ljubljana to finish third in the group and progress at the Czechs' expense.

Larsson put up his best scoring numbers in a Blagult jersey to send his side on the way to victory, the guard notched 31 points across the match, nine more than 17-year-old Stefan Joksimovic posted for Slovenia, whose qualification would only come under threat with a much heavier defeat.

Sweden's 30-24 lead come the end of a high-scoring first quarter was the difference-maker in the end, as Slovenia only cut the gap by one point before the half. Mikko Riipinen's side then then also took the third quarter by six points, before doing more than enough to close out the 79-88 win in the end.

New NBA acquisition Bobi Klintman posted 16 points and eight rebounds as his bright start to life with the national team continued. Melwin Pantzar tied with the Detroit Pistons man with eight rebounds, but also registered eight assists in the win.

Estonia, Slovenia, Sweden and Czech Republic all finished with three wins and three defeats in an even group, but points difference meant they finished in that order. The three teams qualifying now join France, Finland and Hungary in Group L of round two, with the top three advancing to the World Cup, for which Sweden are attempting to qualify for the first time.

Follow the 2027 Basketball World Cup qualifiers on Flashscore.