The Dominican Republic’s senior men’s basketball team is entering the final stages of preparation for the second window of the FIBA World Cup 2027 Qualifiers. The Dominican team is in Group A of these World Cup Qualifiers alongside the United States, Mexico, and Nicaragua.
With a 1-1 record in the current cycle, the national squad aims to secure its fifth consecutive World Cup appearance under the leadership of head coach Néstor “Che” García, who is from Argentina.
Coach García is scheduled to arrive in the country on 18 February 2026 to lead an intensive three-session training camp before the team travels for the upcoming current qualifying window.
Team general manager Junior Páez confirmed that while a 24-man preliminary roster has been released, the final 12-man lineup will likely be announced just 24 hours before game time to account for last-minute adjustments.
A major storyline for this window is the return of Jassel Pérez, who was reintegrated into the squad following meetings between team management and his family. However, the team will face significant challenges as stars Andrés Féliz and Jean Montero are ruled out for the matchup against the United States due to commitments with their respective Spanish clubs, Valencia and Real Madrid.
The preliminary roster features a blend of veteran presence and rising talent, including Chris Duarte, Ángel Luis Delgado, L.J. Figueroa, and Lester Quiñones. Despite the absences of Féliz and Montero for the opener, the team remains confident in its depth as they head into a crucial stretch of the qualification process.
The upcoming matchups for the Dominican Republic in this second qualifying window are as follows:
Thursday, 26 February 2026: USA vs. DR at the Frontwave Arena in Oceanside, California (USA).
Sunday, March 1, 2026: Nicaragua vs DR at the Polideportivo Alexis Arguello in Managua, Nicaragua.
The national team will return to the newly remodeled Palacio de los Deportes Virgilio Travieso Soto in Santo Domingo for the third qualifying window:
Friday, 3 July 2026: Dominican Republic vs. USA (Venue: Santo Domingo)
Monday, 6 July 2026: Dominican Republic vs. Mexico (Venue: Santo Domingo)
The Americas Cup qualifiers in Santo Domingo will be a warm up for the Dominican team participation in the 25th Central American and Caribbean Games (24 July to 8 August 2026). The basketball section of those games will be held 29 July to 7 August) at the Palacio de los Deportes Virgilio Travieso Soto.
These home games are part of the critical third window of the AmeriCup Qualifiers.
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El Dia
18 February 2026