World Cup 2027 American Qualifiers: Gilgeous-Alexander Leads Canada Past Puerto Rico

Canada delivered a dominant 110-84 win over Puerto Rico on July 3, 2026, at the TD Coliseum, controlling the game for all but the opening moments in a Group B opener of the World Cup 2027 American Qualifiers. After a brief 2-2 tie, Canada took the lead for good and steadily built separation, blowing the game open with a 10-0 run spanning the first two quarters and pushing the margin as high as 29 points late in the fourth.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (198-PG-1998, college: Kentucky) led the way with 26 points on efficient shooting, adding three rebounds, four assists, two steals and two blocks, including a decisive 10-point burst in the fourth quarter. Andrew Nembhard (196-G-2000, college: Gonzaga) was nearly flawless with 23 points on 9-of-11 shooting, including 5-of-7 from three, while Nickeil Alexander-Walker (196-G-1998, college: Virginia Tech) orchestrated the offense with seven assists and Charles Bediako (213-C-2002, college: Alabama, agency: GSE Worldwide) provided a spark off the bench with seven points and three blocks. Ismael Romero (205-C-1991) led Puerto Rico with 17 points, but the visitors were never able to find their footing against Canada's depth and star power.