USA Close Men’s World Cup Qualifying Window 4 by Defeating Colombia 104-80

01 September 2026

USA 104, COL 80

The USA Basketball Men’s World Cup Qualifying Window 4 Team defeated Colombia 104-80 on Monday in Washington, D.C. The Americans (7-1) went 2-0 during the Window with the first victory coming 89-71 over Chile on Aug. 27.

A big third quarter saw the U.S. outscore Colombia 27-12 to lead 80-56 at the start of the fourth. The USA would lead the game for 37:12 of the 40 minutes.

Window 5 in World Cup Qualifying continues in November as the U.S. hit the road for a pair of games. On Nov. 27 the USA take on Brazil and follow with a game against Colombia on Nov. 30.

View the USA-Colombia box score here.

POSTGAME NOTES

Ignition Sequence: The starting lineup the U.S. had on the court against Chile was the same as tonight against Colombia. Jaron Blossomgame, Kevon Harris, Mike James, James Nunnally and Orlando Robinson helped the USA to an early lead, 16-8 midway through the first quarter. The U.S. led 32-23 after the first 10 minutes and entered halftime with a 53-44 advantage. In total, the starters accounted for 62 total points in the game.

The Eagle Has Landed: The U.S. had six players score in double figures against Colombia. Leading the way for the second consecutive game was Cole Swider with 18 points (7-12 FG, 3-5 3FG, 1-2 FT) off the bench to go along with 8 rebounds and 2 assists. Also in double figures were Robinson (17), Blossomgame (16), DeJon Jarreau (16), Nunnally (16) and James (11).

Magnificent Desolation: The USA were strong on the glass, outrebounding Colombia 53-42. Controlling the boards allowed the U.S. to control the pace of the game and manufacture 30 fast break points. On 38 made buckets in the game, 28 came assisted.

One Small Step: The U.S. improved to 3-0 all-time against Colombia in Men’s World Cup Qualifying. The Americans and Colombians squared off in Window 4 (W, 95-77 on 8/29/22) and Window 5 (W, 88-81 on 11/14/22) during the 2023 Men’s World Cup Qualifiers.

The U.S. have played Colombia two other times, at the 1982 World Cup (W, 100-83) and 1967 Pan American Games (W, 131-43).

One Giant Leap: With victories in both Window 4 games, the USA stand at the top of Group E with a 7-1 record. Two Windows remain for the Americans in the second round of qualifying, slatted for Nov. 2026 (at Brazil on 11/27, at Colombia on 11/30) and Feb. 2027 (vs. Chile on 2/25, vs. Brazil on 2/28). For full standings, click here.

Under the current qualifying format, which dates back to the 2019 World Cup, the USA have compiled a 26-6 record and have finished atop their respective group in both 2019 and 2023. The USA are winners of two of the last four FIBA World Cups (2010, 2014).