MIAMI (United States) – The second window of the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027 Americas Qualifiers will be played from February 26 to March 2, marking a crucial stretch on the road to the World Cup in Qatar. Every game carries increasing weight in the battle to advance to the Second Round and remain in contention for one of the seven available spots at the global showpiece. With high-caliber national teams set to face off, fans can expect intense, high-level competition throughout the window. Here are four games you won’t want to miss in Americas Qualifiers Window 2:
Puerto Rico vs. Canada – Group B
February 26 – Local time: 8:10 p.m. (GMT-4) Roberto Clemente Coliseum, San Juan (PUR)
Puerto Rico (0-2) is coming off two tough home losses to surprise Jamaica and is in need of a win to avoid slipping into a dangerous position. However, there will be a major challenge against Canada (2-0), which sits atop the group after emerging as one of the most dominant teams in the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 Qualifiers and one of the strongest squads in the AmeriCup 2025 Qualifiers. The Caribbean side leads the all-time series in recent meetings (17-8), but the North Americans have won the last two encounters, most recently at the AmeriCup 2025.
United States vs. Dominican Republic – Group A
February 26 – Local time: 7:10 p.m. (GMT-8) Frontwave Arena, Oceanside (USA)
The United States (2-0) leads the group after comfortably defeating Nicaragua in the opening two games, while the Dominican Republic (1-1) faced a tougher challenge against a gritty Mexico and split the series. The Dominicans will pose a greater test for the Americans, who cannot afford to be complacent. The Dominican Republic has won just once in the last nine meetings between the two sides, a victory that dates back to the AmeriCup 1989.
Brazil vs. Venezuela – Group C
February 27 – Local time: 7:00 p.m. (GMT-3) Arena UniBH, Belo Horizonte (BRA)
Two familiar South American rivals renew their matchup, though Brazil (2–0), the reigning continental champions, currently appear superior across the board against a Venezuela (0-1) side still searching for consistency with a revamped roster. Brazil, which leads 18-10 in recent head-to-head meetings, is coming off wins over Chile. Meanwhile, Venezuela suffered a loss to Colombia. The remaining game between the two teams has been postponed and will be rescheduled at a later date.
Argentina vs. Uruguay – Group D
February 27 – Local time: 9:30 p.m. (GMT-3) Obras Sanitarias Stadium, Buenos Aires (ARG)
Another South American rivalry set to reignite, with both teams sharing the top spot in the group. Argentina (2-0) swept its two games against Cuba, while Uruguay (2-0) did the same against Panama. On paper, Argentina currently appears to have a deeper roster, but Uruguay is coming off a strong AmeriCup showing and has looked well-organized in recent outings. While Argentina holds a 26-8 advantage in recent meetings, Uruguay has won two of the last three encounters.
FIBA