Summary
✓Reviewed by James Carter The gilas pilipinas world cup 2027 qualifiers new roster 2026 is the hottest topic among every Filipino basketball fan this August 2026. In the fourth window of the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027 Asian Qualifiers, following...
Table of contents
- 1 What Is Gilas Pilipinas’ Current Standing in the 2027 FIBA World Cup Qualifiers?
- 2 Gilas Pilipinas History in the FIBA World Cup Qualifiers
- 3 Gilas Pilipinas New Roster for the 4th Window of the World Cup 2027 Qualifiers
- 4 Overseas-Based Players: The Backbone of the New Roster 2026
- 4.1 Additional Players Under Consideration
- 5 Comparison: Third Window vs Fourth Window 2026 Roster
- 6 Kai Sotto’s Role in the Current Gilas Pilipinas Roster
- 6.1 The Issue of Club Release in International Windows
- 7 Gilas Schedule in August 2026: Jordan and Iran as Opponents
- 8 What Did Gilas Learn from the Loss Against Australia?
- 9 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- 9.1 Who are the new additions to the Gilas Pilipinas roster for the 4th window?
- 9.2 When is Gilas Pilipinas’ next game in the 2027 FIBA World Cup Qualifiers?
- 9.3 Is Kai Sotto included in the 4th window roster of Gilas?
- 9.4 Who is the head coach of Gilas Pilipinas right now?
- 9.5 Why does the SBP submit a 20-man pool instead of a 12-man roster right away?
- 9.6 How do pool changes affect Gilas’ overall strategy?
- 10 References
The gilas pilipinas world cup 2027 qualifiers new roster 2026 is the hottest topic among every Filipino basketball fan this August 2026. In the fourth window of the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027 Asian Qualifiers, following the crushing 92–49 loss against Australia, the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) expanded its training pool to 20 players and added new faces for the games against Jordan and Iran on August 28 and 30, 2026, at the Mall of Asia Arena.
What Is Gilas Pilipinas’ Current Standing in the 2027 FIBA World Cup Qualifiers?
The FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027 Asian Qualifiers is currently active and the Philippines is in Pool A alongside Australia, New Zealand, and Jordan. After three windows of competition, Tim Cone’s coaching staff continues to refine the roster to compete against tough opponents in the region. The fourth window is one of the most critical parts of the Philippines’ qualifying campaign.
Gilas Pilipinas History in the FIBA World Cup Qualifiers
The Philippines has a long history in international basketball, and participation in the FIBA World Cup Qualifiers is nothing new to the country. Over the past decade, GMA Network and other outlets have expanded coverage of the national team, reflecting growing public interest in the Gilas campaign. At the 2023 FIBA World Cup, the Philippines entered the main draw as a co-host, and that experience provided valuable lessons for the current coaching staff. The 2027 qualifiers prove that the SBP takes every window seriously, taking into account player availability from various leagues across Asia.
Gilas Pilipinas New Roster for the 4th Window of the World Cup 2027 Qualifiers
According to a report by The Tribune on August 19, 2026, the SBP expanded the player list for the fourth window. The most notable additions are Geo Chiu, the 6-foot-10 center from Terrafima, and RR Pogoy, the veteran guard. Also included in the initial 20-man pool are the following, as reported by Philstar on August 20, 2026:
- Justin Brownlee — naturalized player, expected to return to the lineup
- RJ Abarrientos — regular playmaker
- AJ Edu — overseas-based big man (Japan B.League)
- June Mar Fajardo — veteran center, primary interior anchor
- Chris Newsome — versatile wing
- Kevin Quiambao — overseas-based forward
- Dwight Ramos — overseas-based wing (Japan B.League)
- Carl Tamayo — overseas-based forward (Korean Basketball League)
- Juan Gomez de Liaño — guard, consistently available
- Troy Rosario — frontcourt depth
- Justine Baltazar — big man, included in the third window
- Scottie Thompson — returning after recovering from a hamstring injury
- Calvin Oftana — included in the pool (injury status being monitored)
- CJ Perez — added back to the pool after being left out in the third window
- Geo Chiu — new addition, 6-foot-10 rookie big man
- RR Pogoy — new addition, veteran guard
The SBP has not yet announced the final 12-man roster for the fourth window, reflecting the coaching staff’s flexibility in selecting the best group for the games against Jordan and Iran.
Overseas-Based Players: The Backbone of the New Roster 2026
One of the most notable features of the gilas pilipinas world cup 2027 qualifiers new roster 2026 is the strong presence of overseas-based players. According to a report by The Tribune on August 17, 2026, Dwight Ramos, AJ Edu, Carl Tamayo, and Kevin Quiambao are expected to be available from their Japan B.League and Korean Basketball League clubs for the fourth window.
The availability of overseas-based players always depends on their clubs’ release decisions, which complicates the coaching staff’s planning. In the third window, for example, according to ESPN Philippines, Justin Brownlee was not available against Australia, so Cone only used 11 players in that game.
Additional Players Under Consideration
Beyond the regular core players, the return of Scottie Thompson to the pool is also noteworthy. He missed the third window due to a hamstring injury, but according to the Tribune, he is expected to return for the fourth window. This kind of injury management is an important part of modern national team roster planning.
Comparison: Third Window vs Fourth Window 2026 Roster
To better understand the changes in the new roster, here is a comparison of additions and changes from the third window (June–July 2026) to the fourth window (August 2026):
| Player | 3rd Window (June–July 2026) | 4th Window Pool (August 2026) |
|---|---|---|
| Justin Brownlee | Included (did not play vs AUS) | Expected to return |
| June Mar Fajardo | Included | Included |
| AJ Edu | Included | Included |
| Dwight Ramos | Included | Included |
| Carl Tamayo | Included | Included |
| Kevin Quiambao | Included | Included |
| Scottie Thompson | Not included (hamstring injury) | Expected to return |
| CJ Perez | Not included | Included in pool |
| Geo Chiu | Not included | New addition |
| RR Pogoy | Not included | New addition |
The table shows that Tim Cone’s coaching staff continues to search for the right combination of players for each window, taking into account health, availability, and opponent matchups.
“The addition of Geo Chiu and RR Pogoy to the 20-man pool shows that the SBP is serious about the depth and versatility of Gilas for the fourth window of the 2027 World Cup Qualifiers.”
Kai Sotto’s Role in the Current Gilas Pilipinas Roster
One of the most frequently asked questions from fans is about Kai Sotto’s status with the national team. According to Philstar on August 7, 2026, coach Tim Cone included Kai Sotto in the 30-man roster submitted to the organization for the Asian Games, but his availability is not yet certain due to the possible refusal of the Japan B.League to allow him to play for the Philippines.
For those who want to learn more about Kai Sotto’s story and his fight for the Philippines, you can read the report on Gilas Pilipinas’ new recruits for the FIBA World Cup Qualifiers 2026.
The Issue of Club Release in International Windows
One of the biggest challenges in building the Gilas roster is securing release approval from overseas clubs. Not all players are immediately released by their teams, which is why the SBP submits a broader 20-man pool rather than a final 12. This system gives Tim Cone’s coaching staff greater flexibility to select the best 12 based on who is actually available.
Gilas Schedule in August 2026: Jordan and Iran as Opponents
For the fourth window, the Philippines will play two games at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City. These games are crucial for Gilas’ standing in Pool A of the 2027 FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers.
| Date | Game | Venue | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| August 28, 2026 | Philippines vs Jordan | Mall of Asia Arena, Pasay City | Philstar, August 20, 2026 |
| August 30, 2026 | Philippines vs Iran | Mall of Asia Arena, Pasay City | Philstar, August 20, 2026 |
Both of these games are home games, giving Gilas a significant advantage thanks to the support of Filipino fans at the MOA Arena. The coaching staff is expected to maximize the home advantage against Jordan and Iran.
“The two home games against Jordan and Iran at the MOA Arena are an opportunity for Gilas to accumulate crucial points in the 2027 FIBA World Cup Qualifiers.”
What Did Gilas Learn from the Loss Against Australia?
The 92–49 loss against Australia in the third window was a painful lesson for Gilas. According to official data from FIBA, the score gap was wide, highlighting the difference in athleticism and team systems between the two squads. However, it is important to note that Australia is one of the most competitive teams in all of Asia and Oceania.
For context on the broader Gilas campaign, you can read the detailed preview of Gilas Pilipinas vs New Zealand in the 2026 FIBA World Cup Qualifiers, which highlights the various challenges in Pool A.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Who are the new additions to the Gilas Pilipinas roster for the 4th window?
According to The Tribune on August 19, 2026, the two new faces in Gilas’ 20-man pool for the fourth window are Geo Chiu, the 6-foot-10 center of Terrafima, and RR Pogoy, the veteran guard with long international competition experience. In addition to them, Scottie Thompson is returning after a hamstring injury, and CJ Perez is also included after being left out of the third window.
When is Gilas Pilipinas’ next game in the 2027 FIBA World Cup Qualifiers?
Based on Philstar’s report on August 20, 2026, Gilas’ next games are on August 28, 2026 against Jordan, and August 30, 2026 against Iran. Both games will be held at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City. These are home games for the Philippines, providing an advantage with local fan support.
Is Kai Sotto included in the 4th window roster of Gilas?
According to Philstar on August 7, 2026, Tim Cone included Kai Sotto in the 30-man roster for the Asian Games, but his availability for the FIBA windows is not yet certain due to the possible refusal of the Japan B.League to release him. In the current 20-man pool for the fourth window, he is not clearly listed as available.
Who is the head coach of Gilas Pilipinas right now?
Tim Cone is the head coach of Gilas Pilipinas for the 2027 FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers. He is responsible for selecting the roster and building the game plan for each window. Cone is known for his strategy and experience in Philippine basketball, having served as head coach of multiple PBA teams before becoming the national team’s coach.
Why does the SBP submit a 20-man pool instead of a 12-man roster right away?
Submitting a 20-man pool to FIBA gives the SBP and Tim Cone’s coaching staff flexibility. Because Gilas has many overseas-based players, the availability of all players is not always guaranteed — it depends on their clubs’ approval and player health. The broader pool allows the final selection to be based on the actual situation before each game.
How do pool changes affect Gilas’ overall strategy?
The addition of big players like Geo Chiu (6-foot-10) to the pool signals that the coaching staff is looking for a stronger frontcourt presence for upcoming games. At the same time, the return of RR Pogoy adds scoring punch and World Cup qualifier experience off the bench. According to The Tribune, this kind of roster widening is part of the SBP’s more holistic approach to team building for the 2027 campaign.
References
- FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027 Asian Qualifiers — Official Website — retrieved August 22, 2026
- Philstar: Gilas widens depth chart — retrieved August 22, 2026
- The Tribune: Gilas adds size, recruits Chiu — retrieved August 22, 2026
- The Tribune: Cone juggles 2 Gilas squads — retrieved August 22, 2026
- ESPN Philippines: No Justin Brownlee, Gilas vs Australia preview — retrieved August 22, 2026
- Philstar: 30-man lineup for the Asian Games — retrieved August 22, 2026
- GMA Network: Gilas Pilipinas lineup for Window 1 of the 2027 FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers — retrieved August 22, 2026
