MIAMI (United States) – On November 27, 16 national teams from the Americas begin their road to Qatar with the start of the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027 Qualifiers. The journey features three initial windows (November 2025, February and July 2026), from which the top 12 teams will advance to the Second Round. There, they’ll play three more windows (August and November 2026, and March 2027) to decide the seven spots available. From clear favorites, to dangerous contenders and teams needing a surprise— here’s how the balance of power shapes up in each group:
Group A
DOM, MEX, NCA, USA
The United States is expected to lead this group despite not having its top NBA stars available. The nation’s overwhelming pedigree and extensive talent pipeline allow the U.S. to overcome virtually any challenge in the region. The Dominican Republic and Mexico should battle for the second spot. The two will meet twice in the opening window, and whoever comes out on top will take a massive step forward. Both should accompany the U.S. to the next round as debutant Nicaragua, despite its recent growth, remains a notch below in overall level. Favorite: United States Key matchup: Mexico vs. Dominican Republic Underdog: Nicaragua
Players to watch: Javonte Smart (USA), Chris Duarte (DOM), Pako Cruz (MEX), Norchad Omier (NCA)
Nation | FIBA World Ranking, presented by NIKE |
|---|---|
United States | 1. |
Dominican Republic | 21. |
Mexico | 31. |
Nicaragua | 77. |
Group B
BAH, CAN, JAM, PUR
Canada was the most dominant team in the 2023 World Cup Qualifiers, finishing 11–1. Many of the players who powered that run remain at a high level and return for this cycle, making them strong candidates to control this group. Puerto Rico is one of the region’s most traditional programs, and will try to challenge the Canadians. The Boricuas have the depth to compete head-to-head, even though they came up short in their most recent meeting during the AmeriCup 2025. Bahamas, which has maintained a level of continuity, should be in line for third place and stay ahead of a Jamaica side that is also debuting in this competition. The Jamaicans’ best chance will come in next summer’s window if they can bring together several NBA players who have expressed interest in representing the country. Favorite: Canada Key matchup: Bahamas vs. Jamaica Underdog: Jamaica
Players to watch: Trae Bell-Haynes (CAN), Gian Clavell (PUR), Franco Miller (BAH), Romaro Gill (JAM)
Nation | FIBA World Ranking, presented by NIKE |
|---|---|
Canada | 5. |
Puerto Rico | 16. |
Bahamas | 51. |
Jamaica | 95. |
Group C
BRA, CHI, COL, VEN
Brazil is the reigning AmeriCup champion and should dominate this group from start to finish thanks to strong form, historical weight (Brazil has never missed a World Cup) and the team has far more weapons than their opponents— both in the backcourt and frontcourt. Colombia, Venezuela and Chile currently sit at a similar level and will fight for the remaining two spots. Colombia and Chile rarely have this amount of talent available at the same time. Both teams will take advantage of Venezuela’s rebuilding phase since the last World Cup, which has cost them some stability. Favorite: Brazil Key matchup: Chile vs. Venezuela Underdog: Chile
Players to watch: Georginho De Paula (BRA), Braian Angola (COL), Michael Carrera (VEN), Felipe Haase (CHI)
Nation | FIBA World Ranking, presented by NIKE |
|---|---|
Brazil | 10. |
Venezuela | 28. |
Colombia | 55. |
Chile | 62. |
Group D
ARG, CUB, PAN, URU
After missing the last World Cup, Argentina will look to regain lost ground. The team’s strong AmeriCup performance (silver medal despite not being considered a podium favorite) renewed their hopes. Several players from the new generation delivered solid performances in the continental tournament, and the roster looks more competitive. If Juan Fernández, Gonzalo Corbalán, José Vildoza and Francisco Cáffaro are joined by Facundo Campazzo, Gabriel Deck, Nicolás Laprovíttola and Leandro Bolmaro, they should once again be serious contenders. Uruguay also left a positive impression at the AmeriCup, and if the team continues on that path, they can fight for second place. Still, the remaining two opponents cannot be overlooked. If Panama can rely on its core group, as it will in this first window, it could pull off an upset. Cuba, while seemingly a step below, also has a chance if it manages to bring together its group of quality players scattered across international leagues. The final three spots in this group appear wide open. Favorite: Argentina Key matchup: Panama vs. Cuba Underdog: Cuba
Players to watch: Juan Fernández (ARG), Santiago Véscovi (URU), Akil Mitchell (PAN), Pedro Bombino (CUB)
Nation | FIBA World Ranking, presented by NIKE |
|---|---|
Argentina | 8. |
Uruguay | 44. |
Panama | 58. |
Cuba | 69. |
FIBA