Canada’s men’s basketball team is gearing up for the 2027 FIFA World Cup qualifiers without some key players. Rowan Barrett, the general manager of Canada Basketball, announced the roster for the upcoming Americas qualifiers. The roster includes standout players such as Nickeil Alexander-Walker and Luguentz Dort of the Atlanta Hawks, among others.
The team is set to face Panama in Panama City before hosting Argentina in Quebec City. Notably, NBA stars Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Dillon Brooks will be absent from the lineup for various reasons, as mentioned by Barrett.
Injuries, fatigue, contract matters, and training obligations are some of the challenges the team is navigating. Despite the setbacks, Barrett emphasized the importance of teamwork and adaptability, comparing the roster selection process to a relay race.
Alexander-Walker, coming off a stellar season, is hailed as the NBA’s most improved player. The team will also benefit from the experience of veteran forward Kelly Olynyk. Dort, a Montreal native, is anticipated to have strong support from local fans during the upcoming games.
Canada Basketball remains focused on building a competitive team for the qualifiers, prioritizing a blend of seasoned and emerging talents. The team’s current success in Group F positions them well for the path to the 2027 World Cup in Qatar.