The Brazil national basketball team suffered their first defeat in 2027 FIBA Basketball World Cup qualifying after losing 94-90 to the Dominican Republic in Brasilia on Thursday, August 27.
Dominican Republic guard Jean Montero scored a game-high 30 points to lead the visitors, who fought back from an early deficit to claim victory in the Brazilian capital.
Brazil started the contest in dominant fashion, taking control during an overwhelming first quarter before the home fans. However, the host nation struggled to maintain their high tempo as the game progressed. The Dominican Republic capitalized on the shift in momentum, turning the scoreboard in their favor during a decisive third quarter.
The fixture in Brasilia, the capital city located in Brazil's Federal District, was the first game of the second qualifying phase in the Americas region. Results from the first round carry over into this stage, giving Brazil a solid foundation after they won all six of their opening phase matches. Despite the setback on Thursday, Brazil remain well placed to advance, with eight overall victories usually sufficient to guarantee progression.
Upcoming fixtures in qualifying
Brazil will continue their campaign during the current international window with an away game against Mexico on Monday, August 31. That matchup is scheduled to start at 11:10 pm local time as the team seeks to bounce back from their opening defeat in the group.
In addition to facing Mexico, the Brazilian squad will also compete against the United States during the second phase of qualifiers, setting up crucial fixtures against traditional basketball powers in the region.
FIBA, the international governing body for basketball, organizes the Americas qualification process across multiple international windows, allowing national teams to field players from domestic and international leagues.
Qualification format and World Cup tradition
Under the qualification system for the 2027 FIBA Basketball World Cup, the top three teams from each second-phase group will earn direct entry to the tournament. They will be joined by the best fourth-placed team across the Americas region, completing the allocation of spots for the global event.
The 2027 tournament will take place in Qatar, marking the first time the event is held in the country. A total of 32 national teams from around the world will compete in the flagship championship.
Brazil boasts one of the most successful histories in international basketball. The team won back-to-back world titles in 1959 and 1963, defeating top international competition to claim gold. Brazil also holds the unique distinction of having participated in every single edition of the FIBA World Cup since the inaugural tournament was held in 1950.
