MIAMI (United States) – The first window of the FIBA Basketball World Cup Americas Qualifiers will be played from November 27 to December 1, marking the start of the long road to Qatar 2027. Every game matters, and starting with a win can be the boost every team needs to dream big. This opening window has plenty of excitement, featuring direct clashes between continental rivals and matchups that are expected to be intense from the opening tip. Here are four games you simply can’t miss at the start of the Qualifiers:
Colombia vs. Venezuela
November 27 – Local time: 8:40 p.m. (GMT-5) Coliseo Evangelista Mora, Cali (COL) Venezuela has traditionally dominated this regional matchup. The head-to-head record in recent years favors the Venezuelans 9-2, but in the last meeting during the FIBA AmeriCup 2025 Qualifiers, Colombia came out on top. Before that victory, Colombia’s previous win was during the 2010 South American Championship. Now, the Colombian squad appears to have more tools at its disposal thanks to a consolidated core of players, while Venezuela has been undergoing a generational transition since the 2023 World Cup— a process that’s been slowly progressing.
Panama vs. Uruguay
November 27 – Local time: 8:40 p.m. (GMT-5) Arena Roberto Durán, Panama City (PAN) Panama and Uruguay have a long history of tightly contested battles, with their recent head-to-head record standing even at 8-8. In the last AmeriCup 2025 Qualifiers, Uruguay took both games convincingly, but this time Panama will try to gather several of its top players in search of revenge. Uruguay hasn’t appeared in a World Cup since 1986, meanwhile, Panama’s last appearance came in 2006. Both teams are eager to end those droughts and gain an early edge over a direct rival, which could make all the difference.
Bahamas vs. Canada
November 28 – Local time: 8:40 p.m. (GMT-5) Sir Kendal Isaacs Gymnasium, Nassau (BAH) Canada, the most dominant team in the 2023 World Cup Qualifiers with an 11-1 record, aims to repeat a similar performance this time around. Several players from that impressive run remain available for this new cycle, and some fresh talent could join the mix. In short, the team still looks like a powerhouse. However, the Bahamas has been steadily improving, building a solid core of players. This opening matchup will be a good test to see exactly where the players stand. Canada has won all five previous meetings between the two nations.
Mexico vs. Dominican Republic
November 28 – Local time: 8:40 p.m. (GMT-6) Gimnasio Marcelino González, Zacatecas (MEX) This one has all the makings of the most evenly matched game of the window. Both teams have been in good form recently and enjoy continuity with their respective coaches— Néstor García for the Dominican Republic and Omar Quintero for Mexico. The Dominicans hold a 13-7 advantage in their last 20 head-to-head games, but over the most recent six meetings, the record is tied at 3-3, including one win apiece during the AmeriCup 2025 Qualifiers.
FIBA