MIAMI (USA) - The road to the 2027 FIBA Basketball World Cup begins with high-stakes drama in the Americas Qualifiers, and the draw delivered plenty of can't-miss matchups right in the Group Stage.
With powerhouse clashes, regional rivalries and redemption stories all packed into the first, here are the top five games to circle as the battle for qualification tips off:
USA vs Dominican Republic (Group A)
The two most decorated teams in the group will face each other in February and July of 2026 and the outcome of those games will likely determine who advances out of Group A in first place. The second of those bouts, to be played in Santo Domingo, will take place during the summer - allowing both teams to potentially be at full strength.
USA has dominated the head-to-head (8-1), including the most recent matchup that resulted in a 72-56 victory in the group stage of the 2017 FIBA AmeriCup.
The lone Dominican win (116-108) came at the 1989 FIBA AmeriCup.
Puerto Rico vs Canada (Group B)
Even before finding out who will be the 4th member of the group, Group B is shaping up to be the competitions' "group of death".
Any permutation of games between Puerto Rico, Canada and Bahamas (especially if the latter is able to roster their top-tier talents) will bring out fireworks, but the first two have a long and fascinating history.
Puerto Rico leads the rivalry 17-7, including wins in 5 out of the last 6 contests. However, Canada won the most recent one (112-92) at the 2015 AmeriCup.
Both teams boast deep squads and recent successes, and a good performance in their matchups could mean the difference between advancing or being eliminated.
Bahamas vs Puerto Rico (Group B)
When Bahamas host Puerto Rico in July of 2026, that game (and window) has the potential to decide their future.
Playing during the summer, Bahamas might be able to have Deandre Ayton, Buddy Hield and young star VJ Edgecombe - all of whom had played for the team at the Olympic Qualifying Tournament last summer - on the roster for their final two games and make a late push for the top.
With Puerto Rico leading the head-to-head 9-1, they'll have their work cut out for them. However, Bahamas' first win over the boricuas was a recent one: 88-77 in an away game during the 2025 FIBA AmeriCup Qualifiers.
Brazil vs Venezuela (Group C)
Brazil and Venezuela have always been fixtures at the top of South American basketball and once again are expected to vie for the top of their group.
Brazil has the deeper squad with an amazing mix of veterans, stars in their prime and up-and-coming contributors, while Venezuela is trying to transition to their next era of excellence.
The head-to-head edge belongs to Brazil by a wide margin (18-10) but Venezuela have won 5 of the last 6. That includes the most recent one, a 72-56 win at home during the 2019 FIBA Basketball World Cup Americas Qualifiers.
Argentina vs Uruguay (Group D)
In 2023, Argentina missed a World Cup for the first time since 1982 and will be extra motivated to start a new streak.
The 2019 World Cup silver medalists will face feisty but lower-ranked teams like Uruguay, Panama and a another national team to be determined through the Pre-Qualifiers. Therefore, they will be expected to dominate Group D.
This rivalry among neighbors is clearly tilted towards Argentina (26-8), but Uruguay has managed to win 2 out of the last 4 contests, including an 88-83 victory in an away game during the 2019 FIBA World Cup Americas Qualifiers.
For more complete information on the World Cup Americas Qualifiers, please, click here.
FIBA