Jamaica’s National Men’s Basketball Team continues its historic rise on the international stage as it continues its successful partnership with Cedella Marley and title sponsor, The Bob and Rita Marley Foundation, as well as National Baking Company Foundation, and Rainforest in its ongoing campaign to qualify for the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027.

The momentum began during the FIBA World Cup 2027 Americas Pre-Qualifiers in August 2025 in Ciudad Obregón, Mexico, where Jamaica delivered a thrilling 80-76 overtime victory over Costa Rica, led by NBA standout Norman Powell, scoring 34 points. In the same round, Jamaica fell to host nation Mexico 90–61, as the team battled food poisoning throughout the tournament. Despite the setback, Jamaica secured second place in the group, advancing alongside an undefeated Mexico squad to the next round of qualifiers.

This resilience set the stage for a defining moment this past November, when Jamaica’s men, ranked 95th, delivered a stunning two-game sweep of 16th ranked Puerto Rico in the FIBA Basketball World Cup Americas Qualifiers, winning 92-90 and 97-92 in San Juan. These victories marked one of the most significant upsets in recent Caribbean basketball history and signaled a new level of belief within the program.

Led by Captain Kentan Facey and dominant performances from Kofi Cockburn, Jamaica demonstrated its depth and determination. Cockburn recorded 26 points and 15 rebounds in game one and followed with 15 points and 12 rebounds in game two. He was supported by strong contributions from Chase Audige (20 points), Romaine Thomas (18 points), and Tyran De Lattibeaudiere (15 points).

Now, the journey continues, and comes home.

Jamaica is proud to announce that the next round of the FIBA World Cup Qualifiers will take place in Kingston, Jamaica, at the team’s home arena The National Indoor Sports Centre. Games will be played on February 26, and March 1st with tickets going on sale soon. Bringing the qualifiers to Kingston is the result of careful planning and strong partnerships coming together at the right moment. These games are expected to be a landmark moment for Jamaican basketball, and national sport as a whole.

“We are incredibly grateful to all of our sponsors The Bob and Rita Marley Foundation, the National Baking Company Foundation, and Rainforest for their support as we continue this historic run,” shares Head Coach Rick Turner. “Bringing World Cup qualifiers to Kingston is a milestone for our program and our country, and we’re excited to create an unforgettable moment for Jamaican sports fans.”

With momentum building, belief growing, and home-court advantage ahead, Jamaica’s national team is poised and ready to make history.