The 1963 FIBA World Championship was the 4th FIBA World Championship, the international basketball world championship for men's national teams. The competition was hosted by Brazil from 12 to 25 May 1963. The Philippines was originally awarded the right to host the tournament, but FIBA rescinded this after the Filipino immigration officials refused to grant visas to players from communist countries. Brazil, the defending champion and a previous host, re-hosted the championship from 12 to 25 May 1963, and won the first back-to-back title with just six games, having been seeded and entering the well-rested team in the final round only.

Background

The Philippines was supposed to host the FIBA World Championship in 1962 but FIBA revoked hosting rights after the government of then President Diosdado Macapagal, refused to grant visas to players and officials of socialists countries including Yugoslavia and the Soviet Union. The FIBA World Championship was held in 1963 in Brazil.

Competing nations

Suspension

FIBA suspended the original host country, the Philippines, after Philippine President Diosdado Macapagal refused to allow players from Yugoslavia and other communist countries to enter the country. Brazil, being the defending champion and a previous host, managed to re-host the championship. Later, the Philippines, despite being the Asian champion, were forced to play in a pre-Olympic tournament in order to qualify for the 1964 Summer Olympics.

Competition format

Preliminary round

Group A

Group B

Group C

Classification round

Final round

Awards

Final standings

All-Tournament Team

Top scorers (ppg)