Bahamas Bolsters Squad for FIFA World Cup 2027 Qualifiers

Segment Spotlight: Quick Hits From Fiba World Basketball

Top Players Return to Boost Bahamian Hopes, Croatia Leads Euro Qualifiers

The Bahamas national basketball team is gearing up for the FIFA World Cup 2027 America's qualifiers next month with several big names in their 24-player preliminary squad. DeAndre Ayton, Buddy Hield, Eric Gordon, and VJ Edgecumbe are set to return, anchoring the same corps that advanced to the final of the 2024 FIBA Olympic qualifying tournament in Spain. Ayton, who recently starred in the NBA playoffs with the Los Angeles Lakers, and Edgecumbe, fresh from a spectacular debut with the Philadelphia 76ers, are particularly notable. The Bahamas, currently trailing in Group B with a 1-3 record, sees their upcoming games against Jamaica and Puerto Rico as critical opportunities for moving to the second round and potentially reaching their first World Cup.

Moving to European qualifiers, Croatia is fielding a strong 18-player squad, despite Avita Zubats recovering from a rib injury. Joining Zubats are key players like Danko Brankovic, Dario Chari, Mario Jezona, and Jalene Smith, who were all instrumental in Croatia's last run to the FIBA Olympic qualifying tournament final in Greece. With a current top position in Group E and a 3-1 record, and having missed out on the 2023 World Cup, Croatia is determined to maintain their lead, with upcoming matches against Cyprus and Israel likely to be pivotal in their quest for full points.