MIAMI (United States) - Uruguay, Mexico, Dominican Republic and Bahamas produced the most surprising results of the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027 Americas Qualifiers Window 4. Uruguay took an important step toward securing a spot in the World Cup after defeating Puerto Rico, who are in danger of missing their first World Cup since 1982. However, Uruguay also found themselves on the other side of the equation after falling to the Bahamas. Meanwhile, Brazil suffered significant setbacks against the Dominican Republic and Mexico. The team went winless in a Window for the first time since 2022. Here is a look at the surprises, ranked by the difference in positions according to the FIBA World Ranking, presented by Nike.
Uruguay (#43) 80-75 Puerto Rico (#17)
Uruguay pulled off a surprise in a crucial game against Puerto Rico: Bruno Fitipaldo and Santiago Vescovi took charge of the South Americans' offense after Joaquin Rodriguez was ejected for two technical fouls. The point guard scored 20 points, while the shooting guard added 16. The win moved Uruguay (6-2) into second place in Group F and left Puerto Rico (2-6) in a precarious position with four games remaining.
Mexico (#26) 79-74 Brazil (#11)
Mexico secured an important win over Brazil: Moisss Andriassi scored 5 of his 7 points in the final 40 seconds with the score tied at 72 to give Mexico their second win of the window. Pako Cruz was the game's leading scorer with 24 points, while Joseph Avila recorded a double-double of 15 points and 15 rebounds. Brazil went winless in a Window for the first time since 2022.
Brazil (#11) 90-94 Dominican Republic (#21)
Dominican Republic ended Brazil's unbeaten run: Jean Montero (30 points) and Andres Feliz (24) handed Brazil their first defeat in the Americas Qualifiers after seven games. The Dominicans also earned their first win over the Verdeamarela since 2011. Montero set a personal high in points for the Dominican national team and knocked down five three-pointers, while Feliz finished one assist (9) shy of a double-double.
Uruguay (#43) 94-103 Bahamas (#49)
Buddy Hield leads Bahamas past Uruguay: The Atlanta Hawks NBA player knocked down 6 three-pointers. He finished with 28 points, also adding 7 rebounds, 4 assists and 2 steals. Domnick Bridgewater followed with 25 points and 9 assists, while also tying the free-throw record in the Qualifiers with 13 made. Bahamas squandered a 17-point lead, but maintained control down the stretch on the road in Montevideo.
FIBA