MIAMI (United States) – Window 5 of the FIBA World Cup Americas Qualifiers for the 2023 World Cup is just over a week away, and some of the most important games are just around the corner.
The competition for the seven spots to the Philippines, Japan, and Indonesia in 2023 is fierce, and no one is willing to give up in this final stretch. The majority of games are critical in this case, but these are the ones you won’t want to miss for any reason:
Argentina vs. Dominican Republic
- 10 November – 20:00 (GMT -4)
- Santo Domingo’s Palacio de los Deportes (DOM)
This is an important matchup because these two teams are separated by only one game. Argentina (6-2) is currently third in Group E, with the Dominican Republic (5-3) in fourth. The main draw, however, is the debut for the Dominican squad of head coach Nestor Garca, who led the Argentinian team until the final window before being fired.
Garca has already led the Caribbean nation to the 2019 World Cup and will now attempt to do so again. On a personal level, it should be a very special matchup against his former team and country of origin. Pablo Prigioni, who led the South Americans to the title at the 2022 FIBA AmeriCup, will also make his Qualifiers debut.
Venezuela vs. Canada
- 10 November – 19:10 (GMT -7)
- Edmonton Expo Centre (CAN)
This is a rivalry that has grown in the continent in recent years, following Venezuela’s heralded victory at the 2015 FIBA Americas Championship, which kept the Canadians out of the 2016 Olympic Games. They also met during the 2019 FIBA World Cup Americas Qualifiers, and each won in front of their home crowds.
What is currently at stake is first place in Group E, where the North Americans are undefeated after eight games, with Venezuela (7-1) right behind them. Canada will bring mostly players from their domestic league to this game, while Venezuela will likely bring their usual veteran squad.
Brazil vs. the United States
- 11 November – 16:00 (GMT -5)
- Washington Entertainment and Sports Arena (USA)
These two regional titans will face off against each other in very different circumstances. The Americans (7-1) lead Group F and have won six in a row, while Brazil (5-3) is still in second place but sharing it with Mexico and Uruguay after three consecutive defeats.
Brazil will undoubtedly gain momentum if they can break their losing streak against the group leaders and on the road. However, if they suffer another setback, the pressure on them will only increase. It won’t be an easy task for Gustavo Conti’s team, but their second-place finish in the AmeriCup this summer was a good indication that they’ll be up to the task.
Uruguay vs. Puerto Rico
- 14 November – 20:10 (GMT -4)
- San Juan’s Roberto Clemente Coliseum (PUR)
Every game between the Boricas and the Charras has been close and exciting, and there is no reason to believe that this one will be any different. This will be their second meeting; Uruguay won the first (78-70), but will now travel to San Juan for the rematch.
Puerto Rico is currently in fifth place in Group F and out of the qualifying zone, but a win would allow them to catch Uruguay (5-3) and re-enter the competition. Nelson Colon’s team will need to be ruthless at home, not only to win but also to score enough points to surpass Uruguay in the point differential and beat them in the head-to-head matchup.
Brazil vs. Mexico
- 14 November – 20:30 (GMT -7)
- Chihuahua University Auditorio Gimnasio (MEX)
We’ve already discussed why Brazil is in a precarious position heading into November, and this game against Mexico will give them the opportunity to exact revenge after Omar Quintero’s squad defeated them in Brazil during the previous window.
Mexico won that August game in Jaraguá do Sul by 10 points (82-72), a lead that would be enough to win the head-to-head matchup if Mexico lost. They won’t be able to relax, however, because Brazil is hurting and dangerous even on a good day. The winner of this matchup will make significant progress toward their goal.
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