Neemias Queta: Portugal can make historic first Basketball World Cup in 2027

Center Neemias Queta expressed confidence on Tuesday about the Portuguese national basketball team's chances of achieving an unprecedented qualification for the 2027 World Cup, anticipating that "someday it will be the first time."

"As with everything, there is always a first time. I think that, most of the time, it's not a question of thinking whether we can aim for it, it's about working for it, and when things happen, they happen. Someday it will have to be the first time Portugal goes to the World Cup, hopefully in 2027," the 27-year-old basketball player said during the official press conference of the 3rd edition of the Neemias Queta Training Camp, in Paço de Arcos.

NBA Career and Contract Renewal

Neemias Queta will begin his fourth season with the Boston Celtics of the North American basketball league (NBA), a team with which he recently renewed his contract, valued at $56 million over four years.

Commitment to National Team

The Portuguese center promises, like the rest of the national team, to work towards that goal, which would be a historic moment for Portuguese basketball, starting with strong performances against Spain and Georgia in the games scheduled for August 28 and 31.

"They are very competitive teams, but we will fight, as always. It doesn't matter who is on the other side—we're not going to lose the game; we have to win it. And it will be the same here; we go into every game thinking about winning, and from there, we have all the conditions to compete with everyone," guaranteed the Portuguese center, who is preparing to start his sixth season in the NBA.

Upcoming World Cup Qualifying Matches

Portugal will visit Spain on August 28 in the first game of the second qualifying phase for the 2027 World Cup, then host Georgia in Matosinhos on August 31.

In the fight for a spot in the next World Cup, the results from the first qualifying round, in which Portugal secured advancement, count toward the next phase. Therefore, the Portuguese team is in fourth place in Group I with nine points, the same as Greece and Georgia, while Spain leads with 11, and Ukraine and Montenegro have 10.

The top three finishers from each of the four European qualifying groups advance to the World Cup, which will take place from August 27 to September 12, 2027, in Qatar.

Squad Selection

Queta is on the list of 16 players called up by coach Mário Gomes for the upcoming games, released on Monday, along with center Rúben Prey, who plays in the U.S. college championship for St. John's University, following an initial list of 24 pre-selected players.

Neemias Queta, who won the NBA in 2023/2024 with the Boston Celtics, confirmed he is available to represent Portugal in this double commitment and stated that "it's a matter for the coach [Mário Gomes] to select," focusing immediately on organizing the camp he sponsors for the third consecutive year.

Neemias Queta Training Camp

"It will be another week of work, where [the selected players] can work on many aspects of their game. We have a top-notch staff and athletes who came from many parts of the world to be here; I think it's an excellent opportunity for them. Let them enjoy, have fun, ask questions, and learn," said the 2.13-meter-tall Portuguese basketball player.

The Portuguese international expressed his pride in the event, which will bring together a group of pre-selected young basketball players who will have the opportunity to work with accredited coaches and with Neemias himself participating.

"For young players to learn from outside coaches with NBA experience, and for local coaches to network with NBA coaches, it's very good. I think in terms of sharing knowledge, this is the best you can have, and I hope everyone in this camp can enjoy a good week of work and have fun, at the same time, with new people," he concluded.