The tournament was hosted by Brazil, from 24 July to 6 August 1983.

The Soviet Union won their sixth world championship, defeating the United States 84–82 in the final.

Bulgaria Cuba South Korea Peru Australia Japan Poland Yugoslavia Canada China Soviet Union Zaire Brazil – host United States The top two teams in each group advance to the semifinal round, while the bottom two teams played in the classification round.

Source: FIBA Archives The United States qualified for the semifinal round by the virtue of winning the previous world championship, while Brazil qualified as hosts.

A total of 25 matches were played in the semifinal round.