Morocco, Germany and Hosts Canada Set for Group D Challenge

Bringing together 16 of the best wheelchair basketball teams in the world, the Men’s Tournament at the Ottawa 2026 IWBF World Championships begins with a Group Stage featuring four groups of four teams.

The teams will face each other from 9 to 13 September, with the results determining the crossovers for the Round of 16.

After getting to know the teams in Group A, Group B and Group C, it is time to learn more about Group D.

The group features Morocco, Germany and hosts Canada. Iran were originally drawn in Group D but have since withdrawn from the competition.

Two-time African champions, following victories at the 2023 African Para Games and the 2026 IWBF Africa Championships, Morocco have established themselves as a leading force in African wheelchair basketball.

The Moroccans arrive in Ottawa for their second appearance at the World Championships, having previously competed in 2018.

Morocco overcame historic rivals including South Africa, Egypt and Senegal to claim the 2026 IWBF Africa Championships title. In doing so, they secured Africa’s only direct qualification place for the World Championships.

The reigning African champions are known for their strong collective play. This was demonstrated during their 2026 continental title campaign, when four players averaged at least 10 points per game.

Among them, one name stands out: Zouhair Challat. Wearing number four, Challat controls the team’s rhythm and was named MVP of the 2026 IWBF Africa Championships after averaging 11.7 points and 8.8 rebounds per game.

Germany’s competitive domestic league continues to support the development of outstanding talent. The country is a regular presence at the World Championships and frequently reaches the latter stages of the European Championships.

Germany achieved its greatest success to date at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games, where the team claimed the bronze medal.

The country also won the 2025 IWBF Men’s U23 World Championship, and four players from that successful squad are now part of the senior team—demonstrating Germany’s ability to develop young talent and integrate it into the senior programme.

Finishing behind champions Spain and runners-up Great Britain, Germany claimed the bronze medal at the 2025 IWBF European Championship for Men – Division A in Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina.

The result secured Germany a direct qualification place at the Ottawa 2026 IWBF World Championships.

Thomas Böhme is the player Germany look to when a close game reaches its decisive moments.

The 35-year-old veteran was Germany’s leading scorer at the 2025 European Championship, averaging 17.3 points per game. That included an outstanding 29-point performance in the victory over Italy that secured the bronze medal.

The host nation arrives in Ottawa hoping that strong home support can help inspire a return to the podium.

Five-time World Championship medallists during the 1990s and 2000s, and three-time Paralympic champions, Canada have faced increasing international competition in recent years. Since winning the world title in 2006, they have not returned to the podium at an IWBF World Championship.

As hosts of the Ottawa 2026 IWBF World Championships, Canada qualified automatically for the competition.

Following the retirement of Canadian legend Patrick Anderson in 2024, Canada are looking for new players to take on leading roles within the team.

Reed De’Aeth, 24, is emerging as one of those players. At the 2025 IWBF Men’s Americas Cup, he led Canada in scoring with an average of 15.6 points per game while also collecting 5.8 rebounds per game.

With visa decisions remaining outstanding for four members of the delegation, including the head coach and assistant coach, the Iranian Federation made the decision not to travel to Ottawa for the World Championships.

As the withdrawal occurred at such a late stage, Iran will not be replaced in the tournament. Their scheduled games will remain listed and will be recorded as forfeits, with victories awarded to their opponents.

The Ottawa 2026 IWBF World Championships bring together the world’s leading men’s wheelchair basketball teams. Follow the full schedule, results, live statistics, standings, player leaders, team profiles and rosters on the official competition page.

The Men’s Tournament runs from 9 to 19 September, with every game available to watch live on the IWBF and Wheelchair Basketball Canada YouTube channels.