Mike James Leads USA to 94-93 Win Over Mexico in World Cup Qualifier

The narrow victory shows Team USA leaning on veteran role players as other Americas powers build unbeaten starts to the multi-window qualifying phase.

Overview

Team USA escaped with a 94-93 win over Mexico as veteran guard Mike James posted 19 points, eight rebounds and seven assists and Torrey Craig led the team with 23 points.
Mexico nearly erased an 11-point deficit in the third quarter and Yahir Bonilla finished strongly for the hosts, but a late go-ahead drive by James decided the game.
Brazil and Canada completed perfect opening-phase runs with decisive wins—Brazil beat Colombia 104-80 behind Yago dos Santos (26 points, seven assists) and Canada routed Jamaica 116-78 with Dillon Brooks and Andrew Nembhard starring.
The July window is one of several qualifying rounds that run through March 2027, with FIBA Americas awarding seven World Cup berths and early results shaping long-term standings rather than immediate elimination.
The mixed USA roster coached by Stephen Silas is being used to evaluate depth and experiment with role players, a process that could influence roster choices and team strategy in the remaining qualification windows.