MANAGUA (Nicaragua) – Argentina and Brazil will meet in the FIBA AmeriCup Final for the second straight edition and the fifth time overall. Argentina has won three of the previous four matchups (2001, 2011, and 2022), while Brazil claimed the crown in 2005. La Albiceleste, who took down Canada in the semi-final, is seeking its fourth continental title and will be playing in its fourth consecutive AmeriCup Final. Meanwhile, the Verdeamarela, who pulled off an epic comeback to eliminate the United States, is chasing its fifth trophy in the competition (1984, 1988, 2005, and 2009).
KEY MATCHUP
The explosive game of Argentina’s young standout Juan Fernández will be tested against the experience of Bruno Caboclo. Both have been vital for their teams thanks to their strength inside and versatility to also attack the rim. They are the anchors of their defenses, protecting the paint. Fernández is averaging 16.0 points, 6.8 rebounds, and leads the tournament in blocks with 3.2 per game. Caboclo is posting 15.6 points, 7.4 rebounds, and 1.2 blocks, ranking 10th in that category.
X-FACTOR
Argentina blends the experience of veterans like Nicolás Brussino with the energy of its new generation: Fernández, Gonzalo Corbalán, and Francisco Cáffaro. But without a doubt, José Vildoza’s impact could be decisive. He proved it in the semi-final, leading the win over Canada with 26 points, 6 assists, and 7 three-pointers. Brazil relies on the creativity of Yago Santos, a point guard who excels both as a playmaker and scorer, and whose speed can completely change the course of the Final.
STATS DON'T LIE
The stats are close: Argentina has the edge on the glass (41.8 to 38.0), while Brazil is more efficient offensively, shooting 47 percent from the field compared to Argentina’s 44 percent. Brazil averages 85.2 points per game (third) and leads the tournament in three-point percentage at 38.4. Argentina is right behind, ranking fourth in scoring (85.2) and third in three-point accuracy (35.6). The balance suggests a tightly contested game, where discipline and turnovers could decide the champion. Argentina records 21.2 assists with 13.6 turnovers, while Brazil averages 20.0 assists against just 9.6 turnovers.
PREVIOUS MEETINGS
In recent meetings, Argentina holds the advantage with a 25-17 record. The last clash was the 2022 Final in Recife, where they prevailed 75-73 with Gabriel Deck earning MVP honors. Several players from that game return for this Final: Nicolás Brussino, José Vildoza, Juampi Vaulet, and head coach Pablo Prigioni for Argentina; Yago Santos, Vitor Benite, Lucas Dias, and Georginho De Paula for Brazil. The Argentina-Brazil rivalry is the oldest and most passionate in South American basketball. In AmeriCup play, Argentina leads the all-time series 13-8.
FIBA