The 5 must-watch games of the last Americas Qualifiers window

MIAMI (United States) – The sixth and final window of the 2023 FIBA World Cup Americas Qualifiers couldn’t look more exciting, as it will determine the remaining six teams that will join Canada (the only country that has already qualified) in this year's event in Philippines, Japan and Indonesia, to be played in August and September.

Each and every game will be crucial and have something at stake, but these are the ones you shouldn't miss for any reason:

Brazil vs. Puerto Rico

February 23 - 19:30 (GMT -3)
Ginásio Poliesportivo Arnão, Santa Cruz do Sul (BRA)

Two historic regional rivals will face each other again in Group F. The South Americans are in second place (7-3) while the Caribbeans (6-4) sit in third with along with Mexico. The winner will take a big step toward the objective. Brazil will clinch their spot in the World Cup with a victory, while the boricuas need to win and wait for a combination of outcomes to go their way. No matter what, they'll both be looking to pounce.

In their previous matchup, Puerto Rico protected their home court and won in comeback fashion. Point guard Tremont Waters was their hero, scoring 29 points and dishing out 6 assists.

Argentina vs. Canada

February 23 - 21:40 (GMT -3)
Polideportivo Islas Malvinas, Mar del Plata (ARG)

Group E's Canada (10-0), having already qualified, is playing to become the first team in history to finish the tournament undefeated. Argentina (7-3), on the other hand, is tied with Venezuela and Dominican Republic and doesn't have the luxury of dropping this one, especially while playing at home. Pablo Prigioni's squad is expected to have the return of some of their top players, including point guard Facundo Campazzo.

In their previous head-to-head matchup, the North Americans showed what they're capable of, winning 99-87. NBA standouts Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Kelly Olynyk shined and were able to outclass Campazzo and Gabriel Deck.

Argentina vs. Dominican Republic

February 26 - 21:10 (GMT -3)
Polideportivo Islas Malvinas, Mar del Plata (ARG)

Regardless of the outcome of the games on the 23rd, this will essentially be a must-win duel in Group E, as it will likely determine which one will finish above the other in the standings, and therefore qualify to the World Cup. Right now, the Dominicans have the upper hand after winning at home with an 11-point lead (80-69). This will force Argentina to respond accordingly in front of their home crowd, as it might be the decisive factor in a potential tie breaker.

Uruguay vs. Mexico

February 26 - 21:10 (GMT -3)
Antel Arena, Montevideo (URU)

Uruguay is always a tough opponent and one that never gives up, especially with Joaquín Rodríguez and Bruno Fitipaldo (MVP of the recent FIBA Intercontinental Cup) in their roster. They will also be playing at home, presenting another obstacle for Mexico in a matchup that could determine whether they qualify to the World Cup.

Mexico already proved in this phase that they can win on the road after defeating Brazil, 82-72 in Jaraguá do Sul, and also dominated Uruguay at home (80-60), but they'll have to perform once again in this do-or-die battle.

Venezuela vs. Canada

February 26 - 20:10 (GMT -4)
Poliedro de Caracas, Caracas (VEN)

The Canadians were unstoppable when they hosted Venezuela in the previous window (94-56). In recent years, these teams have forged a small rivalry that only intensified when Venezuela prevented Canada from qualifying to the 2016 Olympics. This time, the South Americans will also try to avenge their recent loss in Edmonton.

FIBA