Portugal Basketball World Cup Qualifiers Amid Queta Contract Dispute
Portugal prepares for crucial 2027 FIBA World Cup qualifiers against Montenegro (July 2, Matosinhos) and Greece (July 5, Athens), needing one win to advance. Star center Neemias Queta is excluded due to Boston Celtics contract negotiations, while Gonçalo Delgado is out injured. Captain Miguel Queiroz returns from injury, expressing confidence. The team also plays a friendly against Switzerland on June 26.
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Neemias Queta and Rúben Prey to Join Portugal for World Cup Qualifiers in August
Portugal's national basketball team, led by coach Mário Gomes, will have key players Neemias Queta and Rúben Prey available for the upcoming World Cup qualification matches in August. Queta, a center for the Boston Celtics who recently signed a four-year, $56 million contract extension, has been training in Boston and will join the team for this window. Rúben Prey, a 21-year-old forward/center from St. John's University, missed the previous call-up due to a broken arm but is now recovering and will participate. Portugal will face Spain on August 28 in Zaragoza and Georgia on August 31 in Matosinhos. The team begins training on August 10 in Luso and will play two preparation matches before the qualifiers. Portugal currently has a 3-3 record in Group B, trailing Spain (5-1), Ukraine (4-2), and Montenegro (4-2), with only the top three advancing to the 2027 World Cup.
Rafael Lisboa moves to HLA Alicante
Portuguese point guard Rafael Lisboa has transferred to HLA Alicante, continuing his basketball career in Spain. The article, published by Record Portugal on July 6, 2026, also covers related Portugal national team basketball news: Portugal will visit Spain at the start of the second phase of qualification for the 2027 World Cup, with matchdays from August 28 to March 1, 2027. Coach Mario Gomes commented on the team's victory in Athens, stating they still depend on themselves to reach the World Cup, a goal they have never achieved. Portugal secured a convincing win against Greece, their first victory in history against that opponent, advancing to the decisive phase of qualification.
Mário Gomes and Portugal's Historic Win Over Greece in World Cup Qualifier
Portugal's national basketball team, coached by Mário Gomes, defeated Greece 71-56 in Athens on Sunday, marking their first-ever victory over Greece. The win secured Portugal's place in the next decisive phase of qualification for the 2027 FIBA World Cup. Gomes praised his team's character and defensive performance, noting that despite offensive limitations, the team showed great cohesion under pressure. He highlighted the team's progress compared to previous qualification campaigns, where they suffered six losses. With three wins in the current phase, Portugal still controls its own destiny for a first-ever World Cup appearance. Gomes credited his assistants Nuno Manarte and Sérgio Ramos for their preparation work and expressed hope that the players would gain more recognition for their quality.
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Portugal Coach Mário Gomes Lamens Defeat to Montenegro in World Cup Qualifier
Portugal's national basketball coach Mário Gomes commented on his team's defeat to Montenegro in the penultimate matchday of Group B in the first round of qualification for the 2027 FIBA World Cup. Gomes lamented a poor start, where Montenegro built a 17-point lead, and a terrible shooting percentage (22% field goals in the first half, below 60% on free throws). He praised his team's character for fighting back and nearly forcing overtime, stating it was not an attitude problem but a bad start and a bad shooting day. Regarding qualification, Gomes noted that Romania's victory did not change much, as both teams have two wins, and Portugal will focus on winning their final game against Greece and then calculate their chances.
Portugal Loses to Montenegro, Complicating 2027 World Cup Qualification
Portugal's national basketball team, the Lynx, lost 68-72 to Montenegro at home in Matosinhos during the penultimate round of Group B in the first round of qualification for the 2027 FIBA World Cup. Montenegro built a strong lead by halftime (36-21) and controlled the game despite Portugal's second-half rally. The loss complicates Portugal's path to the next phase, especially as Romania gained momentum by defeating Greece 73-66. With one round remaining, Portugal still controls its own destiny: a win against Greece in Athens on Sunday secures advancement. If Portugal loses, they can still qualify if Romania does not beat Montenegro.
Miguel Queirós says Portugal can qualify for 2027 Basketball World Cup
Portuguese basketball international Miguel Queirós expressed strong confidence that Portugal can qualify for the 2027 FIBA Basketball World Cup for the first time in history. Speaking ahead of a crucial qualifying double-header against Montenegro and Greece, the FC Porto center emphasized the team's ambition and motivation despite player fatigue from a long season. A victory against Montenegro on July 2 would automatically advance Portugal to the second qualifying round. Queirós highlighted the team's recent competitive growth against top European sides, called for fan support, and noted that accumulated wins in this phase will carry forward. He acknowledged physical tiredness but stressed that national pride overcomes all barriers.
Portugal basketball captain Miguel Queiroz hopes World Cup wave boosts support for national team
Miguel Queiroz, captain of the Portuguese national basketball team, expressed optimism ahead of the 2027 World Cup qualifying matches against Montenegro and Greece. Speaking after winning the national championship with FC Porto, the 34-year-old center acknowledged fatigue from a long season but emphasized that representing Portugal provides immense motivation. He referenced the recent Football World Cup as a potential boost for fan support in Matosinhos. Queiroz highlighted Portugal's November victory over Montenegro and believes the team can compete with top European sides like Greece. He stated that reaching the World Cup, which Portugal has never achieved, remains the goal and is considered possible. He also praised head coach Mário for understanding the players' physical condition at the end of the season.
Miguel Queiroz says Portugal only depends on itself to advance in 2027 World Cup qualifying
Miguel Queiroz, captain of the Portuguese national basketball team and newly crowned national champion with FC Porto, spoke ahead of two crucial 2027 World Cup qualifying matches against Montenegro (July 2 in Matosinhos) and Greece (July 5 in Athens). Portugal sits second in its group and needs only one win to secure advancement to the next phase, where the top three teams progress. Queiroz, returning from a serious injury that kept him out of recent games, emphasized team unity and confidence. He acknowledged Montenegro's potential for improvement after Portugal's earlier 83-62 win but expressed strong belief in victory. Regarding Greece, he said Portugal respects them but fears no team. The article also notes the absence of Nemias Queta (NBA commitments) and Gonçalo Delgado (injury), and lists the 13-player squad under coach Mário Gomes.
Portugal's Gonçalo Delgado Out of World Cup Qualifiers Due to Injury
Portuguese basketball center Gonçalo Delgado (FC Porto) has been ruled out of Portugal's crucial 2027 World Cup qualification double-header against Montenegro and Greece due to injury. The Portuguese Basketball Federation (FPB) announced after consultation with FC Porto's medical team that Delgado's recovery requires him to skip the matches. Coach Mário Gomes will not call a replacement, leaving a 13-player squad. Portugal currently sits second in Group B with 6 points, one point behind leaders Greece and level with Montenegro, with Romania trailing. The top three teams advance to the second qualification round. Portugal hosts Montenegro on July 2 in Matosinhos, visits Greece on July 5 in Athens, and has a friendly against Switzerland on June 26. The full 13-player roster is provided, including point guards Anthony da Silva, Diogo Ventura, Francisco Amarante, and Rafael Lisboa, among others.
Portugal coach explains Neemias Queta's absence from national team due to Celtics contract negotiations
Portuguese national basketball coach Mário Gomes explained that Boston Celtics center Neemias Queta was left out of the squad for upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Montenegro and Greece due to ongoing contract renewal negotiations with the Celtics. Gomes stated that the decision was made in agreement with Queta's agents to avoid any risk that could harm the negotiation process. Queta had been included in a preliminary 20-player list on May 27 but was not in the final selection. Other absentees include António Lucas, Diogo Araújo, Diogo Seixas, Rúben Prey, and Diogo Gameiro (due to physical issues). Portugal, currently second in Group B with six points, needs one win to advance to the second qualification phase. They host Montenegro on July 2 and visit Greece on July 5, with a friendly against Switzerland on June 26.
Neemias Queta Excluded from Portugal's Squad for 2027 Basketball World Cup Qualifiers
The Portuguese national basketball team has announced its 14-man squad for the upcoming 2027 FIBA Basketball World Cup qualification matches against Montenegro and Greece, notably excluding Boston Celtics center Neemias Queta. Queta was initially included in a preliminary 20-player list on May 27 but was not selected by head coach Mário Gomes for the final roster. The games are scheduled for July 2 in Matosinhos against Montenegro and July 5 in Athens against Greece. Portugal currently sits second in Group B with six points, one point behind leaders Greece and tied with Montenegro, with Romania in last place. The top three teams advance to the second qualifying phase. The squad includes guards Anthony da Silva, Diogo Ventura, Francisco Amarante, and Rafael Lisboa; forwards André Cruz, Diogo Brito, Nuno Sá, Travante Williams, and Vladyslav Voytso; and centers Cândido Sá, Daniel Relvão, Gonçalo Delgado, Miguel Queiroz, and Ricardo Monteiro. Portugal will also play a friendly against Switzerland on June 26.