Team USA’s journey in the FIBA World Cup is nearing its conclusion as they prepare to face off against Canada in the bronze medal game. Here’s how you can watch this dramatic matchup between the two North American countries.
Date and Time:
- Date: Sunday, September 10
- Time: 5:40 a.m. ET
Location: Mall of Asia Arena — Manila, Philippines
How to Watch:
- TV channel: ESPN2
- Live stream: ESPN+, ESPN.com, Fubo (try for free)
- Mobile Stream: FIBA’s Platform: Courtside 1891
So if you can’t be in Manila at the Mall of Asia Arena, your choice in the United States is to watch the game on ESPN2 or subscription services ESPN+ or FUBO. You can also sign up with FIBA’s official digital platform called Courtside 1891 and you can access the FIBA World Cup from anywhere with a phone and an (good) internet connection.
The World Cup Has Been a Rollercoaster for Team USA
Team USA has had their fair share of ups and downs in the FIBA World Cup. After a close victory against Montenegro and a defeat to Lithuania, the United States would need one more win to reach the tournament’s championship game. Their journey led them to a semifinal showdown against a formidable Germany team, led by the likes of Dennis Schroder, Daniel Theis, and Franz Wagner. Unfortunately, the Americans fell short, losing 113-111.
Now, the U.S. squad faces Canada in the battle for the bronze medal. Despite the ups and downs, they still have the opportunity to claim a medal and uphold their continental pride. The competition has been tight, and this game presents their final chance to establish bragging rights over the numerous NBA stars on both rosters before the upcoming NBA season.
Key Game Details
- Storylines and Expectations: Team USA’s absence in the FIBA Men’s World Cup Finals for the second consecutive time has raised a lot of questions and discussions. Going into their match up with Canada, there’s no shortage of storylines. First and foremost, there are North American bragging rights at stake, making this match a significant showdown before the NBA season kicks off.
- NBA vs NBA Obviously Team USA is full of NBA players, but Canada isn’t far behind with eight NBA players on their roster that includes NBA All-Star Shai Gilgeous Alexander, Knicks star R.J. Barrett, NBA villain du jour Dillon Brooks, Kelly Olynyk as well as Lu Dort (and we’re including Zach Edey who will be drafted in 2024 NBA Draft) Both NBA-laden teams had strong starts in the tournament, falling short in the semifinals might feel disappointing, especially for the United States, who miss out on a chance to compete for gold for the second consecutive World Cup. This game promises to be anything but a walk in the park
- Looking Ahead: While conversations about Team USA’s performance will likely focus on the past and future, there’s still one game left in this current chapter. Despite their flaws, this team has been a thrilling watch. Several players from this team are likely to be return after strong showings this year: Anthony Edwards, Austin Reaves, Mikal Bridges, and Tyrese Haliburton.
As the final chapter of Team USA’s FIBA World Cup journey unfolds, fans can expect a thrilling matchup between these North American powerhouses, with pride and a medal on the line. Set your alarm for 5:40AM (EST) and tune into ESPN2 to what promises to be an exciting contest filled with drama (thanks Dillon Brooks).
