A historic debut
USA Basketball has revealed the 12‑player roster that will represent the United States at the 2026 FIBA U18 Men’s AmeriCup in Leon, Mexico. The team was assembled after a week‑long training camp in Colorado Springs, where prospects from the high school graduating classes of 2026 and 2027 were evaluated before the final selections were made.
All twelve athletes will wear the red, white and blue for the first time in Leon, marking their debut on the international stage. The squad includes Caleb Gaskins, who previously reached the final round of the 2024 USA U17 National Team, as well as a mix of rising stars such as Bruce Branch III, Quentin Coleman, Adan Diggs, Demarcus Henry, Jasiah Jervis, Malachi Jordan, Taylen Kinney, Colben Landrew, Ethan Taylor, Davion Thompson, Darrius Wabbington.
Group play and beyond
Guided by head coach Anthony Grant alongside assistants Matt Langel and Nate Oats, the United States opens Group A against Argentina at 7:30 p.m. ET on June 1, a matchup that carries a 14‑1 all‑time advantage for the Americans.
Following the opener, the Americans will meet Mexico on June 2 at 10 p.m. ET, a rivalry that stands at 5‑0 in favor of the U.S., and close group action against Brazil on June 4 at 5 p.m. ET. The top two teams from each group advance directly to the semifinals on June 6, with the medal games scheduled for June 7. Play‑in games are set for June 5.
All tournament games will be streamed live on YouTube.com/FIBA, giving fans worldwide access to the action. USA Basketball’s storied history adds extra intrigue: the program has captured 11 gold medals in 13 editions of the event, including a seven‑year gold streak from 2010 onward. A top‑four finish would also secure a berth at the 2027 FIBA U19 Men’s World Cup in Pardubice, Czechia.
Beyond the United States, the competition will feature Argentina, Brazil, Canada, the Dominican Republic, Mexico, Puerto Rico and Venezuela, promising a deep field of talent as the road to the 2027 World Cup begins.