Canada’s men’s basketball team will see a notable absence of key players in their upcoming push to qualify for the 2027 FIFA World Cup. General manager Rowan Barrett has revealed the squad for the Americas qualifiers, with a focus on Atlanta Hawks guard Nickeil Alexander-Walker headlining the roster.
Accompanying Alexander-Walker are teammates Luguentz Dort and other talented individuals including Trae Bell-Haynes, Khem Birch, and Kelly Olynyk. The team will face Panama in Panama City before hosting Argentina in Quebec City. Notably, NBA stars like Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Dillon Brooks will not be participating, with reasons ranging from injuries to training commitments.
Barrett highlighted the challenges of managing a roster with various circumstances, emphasizing the importance of experience and toughness in the team. The team’s focus is on executing effectively in the upcoming games, with a mix of inside and outside players. Alexander-Walker, coming off a stellar season, has been recognized as the NBA’s most improved player.
Additionally, the team will benefit from the veteran presence of Kelly Olynyk, who brings leadership and experience to the qualifiers. The game in Quebec City holds a special significance for Dort, a Montreal native, who aims to perform well in front of his hometown crowd. Canada currently ranks fifth globally and leads Group F with a perfect 6-0 record, positioning them well for qualification to the 2027 World Cup in Qatar.