The Dominican Republic’s senior men’s basketball team faces the United States Thursday, 26 February 2026 at 11:10pm at the Frontwave Arena in Oceanside, California, USA. Playing in Group A of the FIBA World Cup 2027 Qualifiers, the DR (1-1) is aiming for its fifth consecutive World Cup appearance.
The Dominican team is led by Argentine head coach Néstor “Che” García, who arrived on 18 February, to lead an intensive three-session training camp.
Roster adjustments and absences
Team general manager Junior Páez indicated the final 12-man roster would be announced 24 hours before tip-off. A major storyline is the return of Jassel Pérez following meetings between team management and his family.
However, the team is missing key guards. Andrés Féliz (Real Madrid) and Jean Montero (Valencia) are unavailable due to Euroleague commitments, while Chris Duarte opted to rest after an intense week with Unicaja.
The official squad stepping on the court includes Mike Torres Cuevas, Gelvis Solano, Jhery Matos, Richard Bautista, Anyeuri Castillo, Jassel Pérez, Ángel Núñez, Omar Silverio, Ángel Delgado, Andersson García, Rey Abad, and Joel Soriano. Additionally, RJ Luis joined the San Diego training camp as he rehabilitates a knee injury.
The Team USA challenge
The DR faces the formidable US squad (2-0) that holds a perfect 13-0 home record in this World Cup window format. Coached by Stephen Silas, the US roster features G-League talent and former NBA lottery picks Brandon Knight and James Wiseman. Rounding out the team are Malcolm Hill, Tevian Jones, Taevion Kinsey, Dakota Mathias, Elfrid Payton, Jeremiah Robinson-Earl, David Roddy, Jaden Shackelford, Terry Taylor, and Jeremiah Tilmon.
History strongly favors Team United States that leads the official FIBA series 9-1 and has defeated the DR in the last three Pan American Games bronze medal matches (2011, 2015, and 2019). The Dominican Republic’s only senior team victory against the US was a 116-108 win on 8 June 1989, in the World Cup preliminary round held in Mexico City.
Qualification scenarios and upcoming schedule
In the broader context of advancing to the next phase of the Americas Qualifier, the 26 February game outcome against the US might not be the ultimate decider. Even if the Dominican Republic falls to the United States, and assuming Mexico also loses its matchup against the Americans, securing the crucial qualifying slot will likely come down to a head-to-head battle when the DR faces Mexico in Santo Domingo this summer.
Following Thursday’s game, the Dominican squad will travel to the Polideportivo Alexis Argüello in Managua to play Nicaragua (0-2) on Sunday, March 1. Team DR is expected to win that game.
For the third qualifying window, the DR will then return home to the newly remodeled Palacio de los Deportes Virgilio Travieso Soto in Santo Domingo to host the USA on 3 July and Mexico on 6 July. These home qualifiers will also serve as a crucial warm-up for the 25th Central American and Caribbean Games, with the basketball tournament taking place at the same venue from 29 July to 7 August 2026.
Read more about Team DR in the Qualifiers:
Wikipedia 1989 world cup qualifier game
Only game DR has won against USA
DR vs Argentina to go to the World Cup in 2023
YouTube + DR vs Argentina in 2023
Listin Diario
DR vs Argentina in Americas Cup in 2025
DR1 News
26 February 2026