Mexico Edges Brazil 79-74 to Boost World Cup Qualifying Hopes
Mexico's national basketball team defeated Brazil 79-74 in Zacatecas, improving to 5-3 in FIBA World Cup qualifying. Pako Cruz led with 24 points, while J.J. Avila added 15 points and 15 rebounds. The win strengthens Mexico's chances of reaching the 2027 World Cup in Qatar.
Mexico's victory in Zacatecas marked their second consecutive win in the qualifying window, following a 112-86 rout of Colombia. The team controlled the game for nearly 39 minutes, with Brazil never holding a lead. Mexico's bench contributed crucial late-game scoring, while Brazil's cold shooting from beyond the arc in the final minutes proved costly. The win leaves Mexico at 5-3 in Group E, while Brazil dropped to 6-2. Mexico's remaining qualifying schedule includes road games against Chile and Brazil in November, followed by home contests versus Colombia and Chile in February 2027.
This result could energize basketball interest in Mexico, where the sport often competes with soccer for attention. A potential World Cup berth may inspire youth participation and increase media coverage of the national team. The victory also demonstrates Mexico's growing competitiveness against regional powers like Brazil, which could strengthen the sport's profile across Latin America and encourage greater investment in basketball development programs at the grassroots level.