PANAMA CITY — Trae Bell-Haynes led the way with 18 points and 11 assists as Canada defeated Panama 86-66 in FIBA World Cup Americas qualiyfing action on Thursday.
Marcus Carr added 15 points and 12 assists for fifth-ranked Canada, which improved to 7-0 and sits atop Group F.
Kelly Olynyk, the only active NBA player in Canada’s lineup for this game, had eight points and five rebounds.
Luis Rodriguez Jr. led 56th-ranked Panama with 17 points, six rebounds and five steals.
The three best teams in each of the two remaining groups and the best overall fourth-place team will qualify for the 2027 World Cup in Qatar.
The Canadians will next host eighth-ranked Argentina in Quebec City on Monday.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Aug. 27, 2026.
The Canadian Press
