Algeria team took part in the World Cup for the first time in 2002. It drew into the 'Group of Death' (alongside host United States, eventual Bronze medal winner Germany and Asian champion China), the Algerian Team struggled at its first Basketball World Cup appearance. They lost their first preliminary round game against the United States 60-100 and also their second and third first-round games against China (82-96) and Germany (70-102). to a 4th place out of 4 finish. In their 2nd classification game, Algeria fared much better and dominated Lebanon to a 100-70 final score.