Total rearmament: the teams turn to their NBA stars in the FIBA ​​Window

The international basketball calendar has offered an unprecedented scenario this month of August 2026. Without a major summer competition on the immediate horizon, the qualifying window for the FIBA World Cup 2027 has become the center of interest for fans and the national teams have taken advantage of a perfect gap in the calendar: with the Euroleague just starting engines and the training camps of the NBA still on the horizon, the big stars have flocked to the call of their flags.

The name that monopolizes all the spotlights is, without a doubt, Victor Wembanyama. After leading the Spurs to the NBA Finals at just 22 years old and averaging MVP numbers (25 points and 11.5 rebounds), the French “alien” returns to lead the team now coached by Rédéric Fathoux in Group L. France, which also has Rudy Gobert and the strength of Maxime Raynaudseeks to protect its leadership against Slovenia and Sweden.

Nikola’s Serbia is in a more urgent situation Jokic. Despite their individual dominance, the Balkans are third in Group J (4-2). The ‘Joker’ needs victories against Iceland and Italy to avoid complicating the path to Qatar. He will not be alone: ​​the emergence of Nikola Jovic as a luxury squire and the talent of the Euroleague players give depth to a block that depends, more than ever, on the magic of the center of Denver.

The window also confirms that there are players who change when wearing their national jersey. Dennis Schrödernow with the Hornets, and Lauri MarkkanenUtah’s star, arrive after brilliant performances in friendlies. Finland and Germanyinstalled in the elite after EuroBasket 2025, seek to certify their maturity and certify the classification soon. The same goes for Croatiawhere Ivica Zubacrecently landed in the Pacers, to assault the leadership of Group K.

One of the significant casualties is that of Giannis Antetokounmpo that, despite publicly showing interest in being present, the change of team and some problems with insurance have prevented him from being able to line up with Spanoulis’ team in these next two duels (Monday against Spain). Those of Chus Matthew They have almost their entire arsenal but also the last minute loss of Santi Aldama as a precaution in the final stretch of a postoperative period.

For his part, Neemias queta comes after a year of explosion in Bostonconsolidating itself as the anchor of a Portugal that seeks to surprise Spain.

On the American continent, Canada trusts Nickeil Alexander-Walker in the absence of Shai Gilgeous-Alexanderwhile Argentina continues to entrust itself to the heart of Facundo Campazzo. The generational change also calls for a step. VJ EdgecombeEdit Jr, the new pearl of the Sixers (where he will share a quintet with LeBron James and Embiid), he will lead a Bahamas that dreams of coming back from fifth place.

Finally, USA once again turns to Europe’s old guard: Mike James, at 36 years old and now at Anadolu Efes, will be in charge of ensuring that Team USA does not miss the World Cup event after the fiascos of 2019 and 2023. The road to Qatar 2027 has never had so much shine NBA