# Portugal national basketball team World Cup qualification

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/portugal-national-basketball-team-world-cup-qualification
> Updated: 2026-08-31T18:18:14.000Z. Sources: 20. Developments: 5.

Portugal secured a major upset in the 2027 FIBA World Cup qualifiers by defeating Spain 95-89 in Zaragoza. This victory, following a previous win against Greece, moved Portugal to a 4-3 record in Group I, placing them in a tie with Georgia and Montenegro. Spain and Ukraine continue to lead the group with 5-2 records, while Greece remains at the bottom with a 3-4 record.

In the win against Spain, Portugal’s offense was driven by Travante Williams with 22 points, Diogo Ventura with 19, and Neemias Queta with 16 points and 9 rebounds. Despite leading for portions of the match, Spain struggled with turnovers and rebounding; Dario Brizuela led the Spanish scoring with 19 points.

While the victory strengthened Portugal’s qualification prospects, concerns emerged regarding the health of Neemias Queta. Head coach Mario Gomes reported that Queta was removed from the game during the fourth quarter as a “precautionary measure to prioritize the player’s long-term health” due to a perceived injury risk. Queta has since recovered from the ankle injury and was cleared to play in subsequent matchups.

However, Portugal’s momentum was interrupted by a 90-98 defeat against Georgia. Coach Mário Gomes attributed the loss to high levels of anxiety following the emotional high of the win against Spain, noting that the team committed uncharacteristic errors and lacked the maturity and experience required to compete at this level. Gomes emphasized that the team requires more continuity to achieve consistent results against top European competition.

## Timeline

### 2026-08-31: Neemias Queta recovers from injury to return for Portugal

Boston Celtics center Neemias Queta has recovered from an ankle injury sustained during FIBA World Cup qualifiers and has returned to action with the Portuguese national team.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/neemias-queta-recovers-from-injury-to-return-for-portugal

### 2026-08-31: Portugal basketball team loses to Georgia in World Cup qualifying

Portugal's national basketball team lost 90-98 to Georgia, complicating their World Cup qualification hopes following a recent historic win over Spain.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/portugal-basketball-team-loses-to-georgia-in-world-cup-qualifying

### 2026-08-28: Neemias Queta leads Portugal to victory over Spain amid injury concerns

Neemias Queta led Portugal to a 95-89 win over Spain in a FIBA World Cup qualifier, but his playing status is uncertain following an early exit due to potential injury concerns.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/neemias-queta-leads-portugal-to-victory-over-spain-amid-injury-concerns

### 2026-08-28: Portugal upsets Spain 95-89 in FIBA World Cup qualifiers

Portugal defeated Spain 95-89 in the FIBA World Cup qualifiers, moving to a 4-3 record and complicating the Group I standings as Greece falls to last place.

11 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/portugal-defeats-spain-95-89-in-fiba-world-cup-qualifiers

### 2026-08-20: Portugal basketball defeats Egypt 91-87 in World Cup qualifier preparation

Portugal's national basketball team defeated Egypt 91-87 in a friendly match in Turkey, preparing for the 2027 World Cup qualification second phase.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/portugal-basketball-defeats-egypt-91-87-in-world-cup-qualifier-preparation

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Cite as: Portugal national basketball team World Cup qualification. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/portugal-national-basketball-team-world-cup-qualification