MIAMI (United States) – With less than a week remaining before the second window of the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027 Americas Qualifiers, it’s time to evaluate where the 16 teams stand ahead of the games set from February 26 to March 2. There are no changes at the top compared to the last volume following Window 1. However, the lower half features some movement as teams prepare for pivotal matchups that could shape the race to the Second Round. As usual, these rankings take into account current form, roster composition and the opponents each team will face. The order is entirely independent of the official FIBA World Ranking, presented by Nike. Here’s how the national teams stack up ahead of Window 2:
1. BRA (-)
Record: 2-0 Brazil, the reigning AmeriCup champions, reaffirmed their status as the clear favorite in Group C. Now Brazil will host Venezuela and Colombia—two opponents they should control, especially on home soil, given their current form. Head coach Aleksandar Petrovic will stick to the blueprint from the first window: blending veterans such as Georginho De Paula, Lucas Dias and Leonardo Meindl with promising young prospects including Paulo Barbosa, Wini Braga, Brunão Cardoso and Pedro Pastre. All of whom played in November, and even with youth in the rotation, the South American powerhouse should not face major obstacles.
2. USA (-)
Record: 2-0 The United States handled Nicaragua in both November matchups as expected. Now the team will face tougher opponents in Group A, such as the Dominican Republic and Mexico. However, both games will be played at home. The Americans announced a revamped roster compared to the previous window, featuring players with recent NBA experience such as Jeremiah Robinson-Earl, David Roddy and James Wiseman. While the upcoming rivals will offer more resistance than Nicaragua did, the U.S. has the tools to remain unbeaten.
3. ARG (-)
Record: 2-0 Argentina capitalized on facing the weakest team in Group D, Cuba, in the previous window. Now comes a greater test: first Uruguay, which has shown strong form, and then Panama under new leadership. The absence of Juan Fernández and the ankle injury suffered by Francisco Cáffaro in Basketball Champions League Americas play create some uncertainty. The team may have to rely on other frontcourt options. On a positive note, both games will be at home, which should provide an additional boost toward securing victories.
4. CAN (-)
Record: 2-0 Canada is also undefeated and will aim to capitalize on Puerto Rico’s slow start to build momentum. The team will travel to the island without one of its leaders, point guard Trae Bell-Haynes, before heading to Jamaica. It will be a demanding test, especially playing in Caribbean heat. Still, the team maintains solid depth and remains favored to emerge successfully from this stretch in Group B.
5. JAM (-)
Record: 2-0 The biggest surprise of Window 1 after sweeping Puerto Rico on the road. Now, Jamaica returns home for two games and has the opportunity to prove its November performance was no fluke. The Bahamas are up first, a team Jamaica could also beat based on early results. Then the challenge against Canada will put them to the test. This window should provide a clearer picture of Jamaica’s true ceiling.
6. URU (-)
Record: 2-0 Uruguay has a strong opportunity to build on an excellent start. While they must visit Argentina (the group favorite), the timing works in its favor. The team is riding momentum after a solid AmeriCup campaign and a positive first window. Confidence is high. Then the team will face Cuba on neutral ground (Panama), after the Cuban federation announced it does not currently meet the conditions required to host games. This benefits Uruguay by avoiding what could have been a hostile road environment.
7. DOM (-)
Record: 1-1 Although the Dominican Republic split its November series with Mexico, they are in a solid position in Group A because they hold the head-to-head edge via point differential. This is a key advantage in the event of a tie. Now two road games await, first against powerhouse United States, where they will attempt to pull off an upset. If that proves too tall a task, the Dominican squad should have a strong chance to rebound against Nicaragua.
8. MEX (-)
Record: 1-1 After losing the head-to-head battle with the Dominican Republic, Mexico must take care of business against Nicaragua to avoid jeopardizing hopes of advancing to the Second Round. Even on the road, Mexico needs to set the tone early. This team has the experience and tools to do so. A trip to the United States follows, offering a measuring-stick matchup against the group favorite.
9. PUR (-)
Record: 0-2 Puerto Rico is in unfamiliar territory after dropping two home games to debutants Jamaica in the opening window. Back at home with a similar roster, it first hosts Canada. the group leader. While Canada enters as the favorite, tradition and pedigree still carry weight. Puerto Rico closes against The Bahamas in what could become a decisive head-to-head clash for qualification.
10. PAN (+2)
Record: 0-2 After two losses, Panama replaced Argentine head coach Gonzalo García and appointed Puerto Rican Nelson Colón. Colón guided Puerto Rico to the World Cup 2023 and the Olympic Games in 2024. He will now attempt to revive a Panamanian project with a solid core that includes Jhivvan Jackson, Ricardo Lindo, Akil Mitchell, Iverson Molinar and Eric Romero. A favorable factor is that Panama will not have to travel to Cuba; that game will now be at home. Then comes a stern test in Argentina.
11. CHI (+3)
Record: 0-2 Chile has a major opportunity to become a protagonist in Group C with two home games against Colombia and Venezuela, teams they have beaten recently. With Sebastián Herrera, Felipe Haase and Nicolás Carvacho potentially available, the ceiling rises significantly. The Chileans cannot afford to waste this scenario. Assuming Brazil claims one of the two available spots, Chile must battle these same opponents for the other. Failing at home would make Window 3 extremely difficult, with both games on the road.
12. COL (-2)
Record: 1-0 The November win over Venezuela builds confidence, but Colombia will need all of their key players available—including Braian Angola and Jaime Echenique because the road ahead looks steep. However, in its last visit to Chile during the AmeriCup 2025 Qualifiers, the team came away with a win. The Colombians will need to replicate that result before facing Brazil.
13. VEN (-2)
Record: 0-1 Without Michael Carrera, Venezuela faces an uphill battle. First comes a trip to face Brazil, followed by another matchup in Chile. The last time Venezuela played in Chile, during the AmeriCup 2025 Qualifiers, the team suffered a 25-point loss. With a relatively inexperienced roster, optimism is limited. History still offers some comfort: in the last 13 meetings against Chile, that was the only defeat.
14. BAH (-1)
Record: 0-2 The Bahamas has potential, but everything depends on roster availability. The good news is that they won't be facing the group favorite (Canada) anymore. Now they'll have to battle for a spot against a surprising Jamaica and a Puerto Rico team that disappointed at the start but will look to bounce back.
At least one win is essential to avoid an unsure position heading into Window 3, where they will finally play at home.
15. CUB (-)
Record: 0-2 Cuba’s situation has become critical. The team's scheduled home window will instead be played in Panama due to hosting requirements not being met. Without home-court support, matchups against Panama and Uruguay become even more difficult.
16. NCA (-)
Record: 0-2 Nicaragua’s hopes rest largely on Norchad Omier and Jared Ruiz. Omier recently signed a two-way contract with the Los Angeles Clippers, making it highly unlikely he'll be able to join his national team.
While the team has improved over the past four years, they will need near-perfect performances against two solid opponents: Mexico and the Dominican Republic, even while serving as host in this window.
DISCLAIMER: The Power Rankings are entirely subjective and in no way represent an official or precise classification system. All opinions expressed are solely those of the author.
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