Canada qualify for 2019 FIBA World Cup

After an emphatic away win against Brazil, Canada have won a spot at the 2019 FIBA World Cup.

Though Brazil led nearly all the way through the fist quarter, when the game resumed Canada took control of proceedings after an eleven-point unbeaten run. Brazil closed the gap behind 17 points from Marquinhos Sousa off the bench and 16 from Vitor Benite, but with Canada dominating from close range there was no chance for Brazil to catch up.

Kyle Wiltjer led all players on the floor with 25 points and 7 rebounds, and was one of five Canadian players to score in double digits. Canada also saw 11 threes drop for them and 42 points from their bench players as they went on to win by a margin of 94 points to 67.

The win ensures Canada a place in next year's World Cup, and they return to the tournament after missing the 2014 edition. In their last outing in Turkey in 2010, they exited Group D winless - and will not be wanting a repeat performance this time around.

Joining them in China will be Venezuela, who secured their place in the final tournament after a last-minute win over the Virgin Islands. It will be Venezuela's first World Cup appearance since 2006.

Tournament mainstays Argentina and USA also secured their spots with victories over Mexico and Uruguay, respectively. Luis Scola had 22 points and 9 rebounds for Argentina, while USA saw a double-double from Eric Moreland off the bench.

Outside of the Americas qualifiers, Spain booked their place in China after a four-point win over Ukraine. Turkey suffered a loss to Montenegro, but other results fell in their favour, giving them passage to the final tournament. New Zealand and Korea both advanced from the Asian qualifiers after big wins over Syria and Jordan respectively, while African titans Angola won their place in the tournament after three qualifying wins in a row.

The final qualifying window will take place in February 2019, which will be the last chance for teams to directly qualify for the World Cup.