USA Kicks Off FIBA Men’s World Cup Qualifying; Knight Eyes NBA Comeback
The United States has officially started its journey towards the 2027 FIBA Men’s World Cup. The national team arrived in Managua, Nicaragua, on November 28, 2025, to kick off their qualifying campaign. This effort will continue until March 2027.
Team Composition and Experience
The U.S. roster is a blend of NBA veterans, G League players, and international professionals, boasting over 1,300 games of NBA experience. Key players include:
- Ryan Woolridge
- Pedro Bradshaw
- Garrison Brooks
- Jaden Shackelford
- Jeremiah Tilmon
- Javonte Smart
- Nate Hinton
- Torrey Craig
- Kessler Edwards
- MarJon Beauchamp
- Kyle Guy
- Brandon Knight
This qualifying window features a temporary roster but comes with significant long-term implications for players like Brandon Knight, who aspires to return to the NBA.
Brandon Knight’s Aspirations
Brandon Knight, who last played in the NBA with the Dallas Mavericks in April 2022, sees this opportunity as a potential step toward his comeback. “I still have love for the game,” Knight stated. He emphasized the importance of just striving and staying active for both his children and his professional goals.
Having played recently in Puerto Rico, Knight is relatively familiar with the conditions expected in Nicaragua. “It feels awesome to have an NBA-type setting,” he remarked, reflecting on his training in Miami leading up to the qualifiers.
Upcoming Matches and Qualification Format
The U.S. will compete in Group A, facing Nicaragua twice. The schedule for these matches is:
- First game: November 28, 2025, at 8 p.m. ET in Managua
- Second game: December 1, 2025, at 7 p.m. ET in College Park, Georgia
Both games will be streamed live on Courtside 1891, marking the first encounters between the two teams.
The qualification journey is challenging, with 16 teams vying for seven spots in the FIBA Men’s World Cup. The U.S. has previously shown strength in this format, securing a 19-5 record in the last two qualifying cycles (2019 and 2023), and winning two World Cup titles in recent years.
Leadership and Future Goals
Stephen Silas, who led the U.S. to bronze at the FIBA Men’s AmeriCup in August, will be at the helm for this qualifying round. The ultimate aim is clear: to secure a place for Team USA in the tournament in Doha, Qatar.
