Team Canada won the gold medal in the 2026 FIBA (International Basketball Federation) U18 AmericaCup in Leon, Mexico on Sunday. This was the first time ever that Canada won the gold medal in the intercontinental event.
In the gold medal game, Canada defeated the United States by a score of 67-65. Three Canadians reached double digits in points. Javion Tyndale of Mississauga, Ontario led Canada with 19 points. Deng Ngor of Calgary, Alberta had 15 points and Lyris Robinson had 10 points.
Brazil won the bronze medal. They defeated Puerto Rico 83-77 in the third place game.
Team Canada went undefeated throughout the tournament. They trounced Venezuela 105-51 (thanks to 19 points by Robinson) on June 1, the Dominican Republic 100-79 (thanks to 16 points by Robinson) on June 2, and Puerto Rico 101-48 (thanks to 15 points by Abdul-Malik Olajuwon of Toronto, Ontario) on June 4 in Group B action. Canada then beat Puerto Rico 115-49 in the semifinals thanks to 18 points by Robinson on June 6. It should be noted that Abdul-Malik Olajuwon is the son of Basketball Hall of Fame center Hakeem Olajuwon.
The United States have dominated the FIBA U18 AmericaCup over the years. Only three times have the Americans not won the gold medal. Puerto Rico won in 2002 in Venezuela and Argentina won in 2008 in Argentina.
