The final phase of the competition was held at the Luna Park, Buenos Aires.

Likewise, the Soviet Union participated in its final tournament before its dissolution.

This was the first ever FIBA World Championship (now called FIBA Basketball World Cup) tournament, in which non-American current NBA players that had also already played in an official regular season NBA game could participate.

The mascot was a ñandu named ''Ñandy'' There were 16 teams taking part in the 1990 World Cup of Basketball.

Angola Puerto Rico Venezuela Yugoslavia Australia Brazil China Italy Greece South Korea Spain United States Argentina Canada Egypt Soviet Union The top two finishers from Groups I and II advance to the final round.