The 1950 FIBA World Championship, also called the 1st World Basketball Championship – 1950, was the inaugural edition of the World Cup basketball tournament for men's national teams. It was held by the International Basketball Federation (FIBA), from 22 October to 3 November 1950. Argentina hosted the competition at Luna Park in Buenos Aires, where ten nations participated in the event. Argentina claimed the gold medal, by beating the United States 64–50 in the decisive game of the final round. After winning the tournament, Argentinian fans celebrated by burning newspapers which became known as the "Night of the Torches".

Host and venue

In the aftermath of World War II, Argentina was chosen as host of the inaugural World Cup partly because of its neutrality during the war.

Competing nations

FIBA determined the requirements to qualify for the World Championship to be as follows: Prior to the Championship, South Korea withdrew due to logistical and financial difficulties in travelling to Argentina, while Uruguay withdrew after Argentinian immigration officials refused the team visas to enter the country. Subsequently, FIBA extended invitations to Ecuador, Yugoslavia, Spain, and Peru.

Preliminary rounds

First phase

Second phase

Repass rounds

First phase

Second phase

Classification round

Final round

Awards

Argentina won its first-ever World Cup, and Oscar Furlong was named the tournament's Most Valuable Player. Furlong averaged a team-high and 11.2 points during the tournament, fourth highest of all players. All-Tournament Team

Final standings

Team rosters

Source: FIBA archive

All-Tournament Team

Top scorers