Markkanen finished with 11 points, three rebounds, and one assist in 31 minutes and 45 seconds. Sweden’s Pelle Larsson delivered a standout performance, scoring a game-high 31 points in 31 minutes and 32 seconds, plus five rebounds, helping the Swedes seize control early and secure a crucial victory in the second round of qualifying for the 2027 FIBA Basketball World Cup.
The game carried extra weight for Finland, as the top three teams from the six-team group advance to the World Cup. With the round’s stakes high, every result matters as the field narrows.
Sweden’s offense relied heavily on Larsson, who accounted for almost all of the team’s scoring with 31 points. Simon Birgander contributed 17 points and 10 rebounds, while Ludde Hakanson came off the bench to add 14 points and seven assists.
Larsson’s big night stood out in the context of his NBA season. He averaged 11.4 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 3.4 assists over 70 games (54 starts) and posted a career-high 28 points on March 12. His 31-point performance against Finland surpassed that personal milestone in a different competition setting.
Finland’s starting five totaled 43 points, with Markkanen contributing 11. Olivier Nkamhoua led the bench with 19 points, followed by 12 from Miro Little and 10 from Edon Maxhuni. Markkanen logged the most minutes for Finland but couldn’t replicate his usual scoring impact for the national team.
This result contrasts Finland’s earlier meeting with Sweden in a major international event, when Markkanen led Finland to a 93-90 EuroBasket victory on August 27, 2025, scoring 28 points and earning recognition as the game’s driving force. A year later, Larsson carried the load for Sweden.
Before this loss, Markkanen had been contributing solidly for Finland. He scored 17 points with six rebounds, three assists, and three steals in a 93-78 win over Iceland in an August 21 exhibition. He also posted 23 points on 7-of-14 shooting in a 85-77 win against Hungary during the July qualifying window.
Finland relies heavily on Markkanen to create offense, stretch defenses, and handle a large scoring workload. When opponents limit his production, teammates must step up to stay competitive.
The FIBA qualifying schedule runs from August 27 through the next windows, with Finland competing in Group L for one of three World Cup spots. Rosters for the August 27 games were confirmed ahead of the round.
There is a direct connection between Markkanen’s international duties and his NBA franchise this summer. The head coach of his NBA team, along with other players, attended Finland’s exhibition win over Iceland, underscoring the emphasis placed on Markkanen’s participation with his national team. His national-team play provides valuable high-level competition as he returns to a Jazz roster that continues to rely on his size, shooting, and scoring ability. A tough night against Sweden doesn’t derail that broader trajectory, but it does serve as a quick test after several productive performances for Finland.
With Larsson’s 31-point burst leading Sweden, Finland faces a quick regroup as they prepare for the next World Cup qualifier and the ongoing second-round slate.
