Pallacanestro Reggiana assistant coach Federico Fucà has joined the coaching staff of the Colombian national team ahead of the second round of the FIBA World Cup 2027 Americas qualifiers, according to club announcements. Fucà returns to international coaching following a four-year tenure with the Italian national team.
A Dual Reggiana Presence in Colombia’s Roster
Alongside Fucà on the coaching staff led by head coach Tomás Díaz, Pallacanestro Reggiana center Jaime Echenique has received a formal call-up to wear the Colombian jersey.
Fucà’s Tactical Focus and Club Acknowledgments
“I am very happy and stimulated by this opportunity,” Fucà stated, as reported by Pallacanestro Reggiana. “I want to thank Pallacanestro Reggiana, because opportunities like this are the result of the work I have carried out in the club for years. Working with the Colombian national team will enrich me professionally and humanly.”
The assistant coach outlined his specific responsibilities within Díaz’s staff, emphasizing preparation on the defensive end of the floor. “I believe I can give coach Tomás Díaz’s staff a contribution in the tactical preparation, particularly defensive, of the matches that await us in the race for qualification,” Fucà added.
Group E Standings and Qualification Landscape
Colombia enters the second phase of the Americas qualifiers positioned in Group E. The group features familiar foes Brazil and Chile from the opening round, alongside new challenges from Mexico, the Dominican Republic, and the United States. Teams play a home-and-away schedule across upcoming qualifying windows.
Under FIBA qualification formats, the top three teams from each of the two second-round groups, plus the best fourth-placed team overall, secure berths in the 2027 FIBA World Cup in Qatar. Brazil leads Group E with six, followed by the United States with five and the Dominican Republic with four. Colombia shares position with Mexico at three victories apiece, while Chile trails at the bottom with two.
Upcoming Schedule and Roadmap
The path forward for Díaz’s squad demands immediate results to maintain separation in a tightly contested group. Colombia tips off the second phase on Friday night at 4:10 AM on the road against Mexico in Zacatecas. That contest is followed quickly by a September 1 fixture at 1:00 AM against the United States in Washington, D.C.
Subsequent qualifying windows will bring further tests. November features two home fixtures for Colombia against the Dominican Republic and the United States. The qualification campaign concludes in February with a home match against Mexico and a return fixture on the road in the Dominican Republic.
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