MIAMI (United States) – The wait is almost over. The Second Round of the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027 Americas Qualifiers is just hours away from tip-off. The 12 teams still in contention are aiming to finish among the top three in their respective groups or become the best fourth-place team to secure one of the seven available spots in the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027 in Qatar.
Group E
BRA, USA, DOM, MEX, COL, CHI
The Brazilians (6-0) enter with the best record in the group and will now significantly strengthen their roster. After giving several young players opportunities in the First Round, the continental champions will once again feature players such as Yago Santos and Bruno Caboclo, along with the returns of Leo Meindl and Raul Neto. Meanwhile, the United States (5-1) will be led by Mike James, Jaron Blossomgame and Orlando Robinson. Even without thier biggest NBA stars, the depth of American talent makes the USA one of the leading contenders to finish among the top three. Behind the two favorites is the Dominican Republic (4-2). They have the advantage of winning their head-to-head matchup against Mexico in the previous stage. The games against Brazil will be crucial, although the Dominicans enter as favorites against Colombia and Chile. Mexico (3-3) is also in the mix and will need to capitalize on opportunities against the higher-ranked teams to contend for qualification or, at the very least, finish as the best fourth-place team. Colombia (3-3) and Chile (2-4), meanwhile, face a much tougher task and will need to pull off upsets to enter the conversation. Favorites: Brazil, USA In control: Dominican Republic In the race: Mexico, Colombia Danger zone: Chile
Players to watch: Yago Santos (BRA), Mike James (USA), Joel Soriano (DOM), Pako Cruz (MEX), Braian Angola (COL), Felipe Haase (CHI)
Nation | FIBA World Ranking, presented by NIKE |
|---|---|
United States | 1. |
Brazil | 9. |
Dominican Republic | 21. |
Mexico | 28. |
Colombia | 54. |
Chile | 60. |
Group F
CAN, URU, ARG, PUR, BAH, PAN
Canada (6-0) enters with a perfect record as the most dominant team in the Qualifiers. The North Americans will once again feature NBA players such as Nickeil Alexander-Walker and Luguentz Dort, further strengthening their status as favorites. With a couple of wins in this window, Canada could take a huge step toward the World Cup. Behind Canada, however, the picture is much more wide open. Uruguay (5-1) will look to prove that their strong First Round was no fluke. Argentina (5-1), which missed the previous World Cup, needs to draw on thier history and pedigree to remain among the top teams. Puerto Rico (2-4) enters the Second Round needing to turn things around. The Caribbean powerhouse will have to get past Uruguay and Argentina to significantly improve their chances, especially with Mexico holding one more win in the race to finish as the best fourth-place team. The Bahamas (2-4) has NBA players capable of changing the course of any game, but will need to turn that talent into results. Panama (2-4) also has the tools to compete, although there is little room for error. With Canada in a strong position, the battle for the remaining spots promises to be much tighter.
Favorites: Canada In control: Argentina, Uruguay In the race: Puerto Rico, Bahamas Danger zone: Panama
Players to watch: Nickeil Alexander-Walker (CAN), Joaquin Rodriguez (URU), Leandro Bolmaro (ARG), Jose Alvarado (PUR), Kai Jones (BAH), Iverson Molinar (PAN)
Nation | FIBA World Ranking, presented by NIKE |
|---|---|
Canada | 5. |
Argentina | 8. |
Puerto Rico | 16. |
Uruguay | 42. |
Bahamas | 49. |
Panama | 56. |
FIBA