Jamaica to Face Canada, Puerto Rico, and Bahamas in FIBA Americas Qualifiers Debut

After Jamaica’s national basketball team punched its ticket to the FIBA World Cup 2027 Americas Qualifiers for the first time in history, the draw set up NBA-stacked opponents. However, most of the rosters are expected to miss the November–December window due to the NBA season

Jamaica’s men’s national basketball team celebrates advance to World Cup 2027 Qualifiers (Photo: Mena Communications)

Jamaica’s national basketball team has punched its ticket to the FIBA World Cup 2027 Americas Qualifiers for the first time in history. The qualifiers will start in November and run until July 2026, with the top three teams from each group advancing to the final round of qualifiers.

Following back-to-back wins over Barbados and Costa Rica, the Boyz suffered a stinging 90-61 defeat at the hands of hosts Mexico in the pre-qualifiers group final. However, the team still advanced to the main round of the qualifiers for the first time.

Drawn into Group B, the Boyz are set to face Canada, Puerto Rico, and the Bahamas, with their opening game against Puerto Rico on November 28.

Since the games are expected to take place during the NBA season, it’s uncertain whether teams will bring their full roster of star players. Jamaica will likely be without guard Norman Powell, who recently joined the Miami Heat and shone during the pre-qualifiers.

Canada boasts an impressive lineup, headlined by NBA stars such as Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Lu Dort, former NBA champion Jamal Murray of Denver, and several others. The Bahamas could also present a formidable challenge with a roster that includes center DeAndre Ayton of the Los Angeles Lakers, Cleveland Cavaliers center Evan Mobley, four-time NBA champion Klay Thompson of the Dallas Mavericks, and Golden State Warriors guard Buddy Hield.

Puerto Rico, with a rich history of participation in the FIBA World Cup, may also field a competitive squad. This could include center George Conditt from Gran Canaria, Spain—expected to be available for the opening games as the Spanish league typically pauses during international breaks, and New Orleans Pelicans guard Jose Alvarado, who is expected to miss the match due to the NBA season.

In July, Jamaica is set to close out the group stage with two matches. on July 3 they will face the Bahamas and on July 6, against Canada. By then, they are expected to add two more NBA players to their roster: forward Josh Minott of the Boston Celtics and center Nick Richards of the Phoenix Suns, both eligible to play at that time. However, other teams are also likely to strengthen their rosters with some of their own NBA players.