Mexico City (FIBA Basketball World Cup 2019 Americas Qualifiers) - Mexico has named 19 players to its preliminary roster for the final two games of first round qualifying for the 2019 FIBA Basketball World Cup.

Mexico will host the USA on June 28 in Mexico City before traveling to San Juan to meet Puerto Rico on July 1. Both account for Mexico's two losses so far, 55-91 away against the Americans in November, and 80-100 at home against Puerto Rico in February.

Home support is a given – both previous home games sold out - and will be needed. Mexico defeated Cuba twice to put them at 2-2 and in third place in Group C. With Cuba at 0-4, Mexico could still move on without another win as long as Cuba loses away to Puerto Rico or at home against the USA.

That doesn't mean the 12 Guerreros can relax though as their record would travel with them to the second round. All wins are vital if they want to be one of the seven teams from the Americas to play in China in 2019. 

On May 28, it was announced by ADEMBA that Ivan Deniz will take over as the head coach of the national team. He replaces Sergio Valdeomillos. Ramon Diaz, his assistant, had head coach responsibilities for the two qualifying windows as Valdeomillos was committed to coaching as an assistant with Baskonia in Spain.

Mexico returned to the World Cup for a fifth time in 2014 after a 40-year absence and are eager to remain. 

FIBA