Neemias Queta Eyes Portugal's World Cup Debut

Neemias Queta expressed strong conviction regarding the Portuguese National Team's chances of achieving an unprecedented qualification for the 2027 World Cup, anticipating that "someday will be the first time." "As with everything, there's always a first time. I think, most of the time, it's not a question of wondering if we can aspire to it; it's about working towards it, and when things happen, they happen. Portugal will have to make its World Cup debut someday; let's hope it's in 2027," the 27-year-old basketball player stated at the official press conference for the 3rd edition of the Neemias Queta Training Camp in Paço de Arcos.

The Portuguese center is set to begin his fourth season with the Boston Celtics, having recently renewed his contract for approximately 50 million euros over four years. Queta, along with the rest of the national team, is committed to working towards this goal, which would mark a historic moment for Portuguese basketball. This journey begins with strong performances against Spain and Georgia in the games scheduled for August 28th and 31st.

"They are very competitive teams, but we will fight, as always. It doesn't matter who is on the other side – we're not going there to lose; we have to win. And it will be the same here; we'll go into every game thinking about winning, and from there, we have all the conditions to compete with everyone," assured Neemias, who is preparing for his sixth NBA season.

Portugal will visit Spain on August 28th for the first game of the second qualification round for the 2027 World Cup, then host Georgia in Matosinhos on August 31st. In the battle for a spot in the next World Cup, results from the first qualification round, where Portugal secured advancement, carry over to the next phase. Consequently, the Portuguese squad currently sits in fourth place in Group I with nine points, level with Greece and Georgia, while Spain leads with 11, and Ukraine and Montenegro each have 10. The top three teams from each of the four groups in the European qualification will advance to the World Cup, which will take place from August 27th to September 12th, 2027, in Qatar.

Queta is on head coach Mário Gomes's list of 16 call-ups for the upcoming games, announced on Monday, alongside center Rúben Prey, who plays collegiate basketball in the United States for St. John's University. This follows an initial list of 24 pre-selected players. Neemias Queta, who won the NBA championship in 2023/2024 with the Boston Celtics, confirmed his availability to represent Portugal in this double fixture, adding that "it's a matter of the coach [Mário Gomes] selecting." His immediate focus is on organizing the camp he is sponsoring for the third consecutive year.

"It will be another week of work where [the selected players] can work on many aspects of their game. We have a top-tier staff and athletes who have come from many parts of the world to be here. I think it's an excellent opportunity for them. May they enjoy it, have fun, ask questions, and learn," said the 2.13-meter tall Portuguese basketball player.

The Portuguese international expressed his pride in the event, which will bring together a group of pre-selected young basketball players who will have the opportunity to work with accredited coaches and Neemias himself. "It's great for young players to learn from outside coaches with NBA experience, and for local coaches to network with NBA coaches. I think in terms of sharing knowledge, this is the best you can get, and I hope everyone at this camp can enjoy a good week of work and have fun with new people at the same time," he concluded.