SAN SALVADOR (El Salvador) – The Americas’ top women’s 3×3 basketball teams are ready to battle for continental supremacy as the FIBA 3×3 AmeriCup 2026 tips off in San Salvador.
The United States return as defending champions, but they have an all-new roster. Meanwhile, Canada arrive with serious ambitions after a strong Women’s Series campaign. With established medal contenders, experienced international campaigners and hungry challengers in the mix, the race for gold promises plenty of intrigue.
Who has the best shot at lifting the trophy? Let’s break down the contenders.
1. Canada
Canada top the rankings with Paige Crozon leading the charge after helping her country win Women’s Series titles in Shanghai and Takasaki this season. The all-time leading scorer in FIBA 3×3 AmeriCup women’s history will be central to Canada’s bid to reclaim the crown after losing to the United States in 2025.
2. USA
The defending champions are chasing their fourth women’s AmeriCup gold and have the talent to make another deep run. All four players for USA women make their AmeriCup debut in El Salavador. Only Aerial Powers competed at the FIBA 3×3 Women’s Series 2026 this season, though Sydney Taylor has significant experience from the Women’s Series 2025 season along with the FIBA 3×3 U23 Nations League. Seattle Storm’s Flau’jae Johnson and Dallas Wings’ Aziaha James, though, will both see action on the FIBA 3×3 stage for the first time ever.
3. Chile
Chile have a dangerous scorer in Fernanda Ovalle, who already ranks 10th on the FIBA 3×3 AmeriCup’s all-time women’s scoring list at just 23 years old. After finishing seventh at Women’s Series stops in Sumgait and Baku this season, Chile will look to build on their international experience and challenge for a podium finish.
4. Puerto Rico
Puerto Rico have yet to win a FIBA 3×3 AmeriCup medal, but Ashley Torres gives them a proven leader with experience in every edition since 2021. Ranked fourth on the all-time women’s scoring list, she will be key as Puerto Rico look to turn their consistency into a breakthrough result.
5. Brazil
Brazil have a bevy of proven AmeriCup performers in Gabriela Guimarães, Luana de Souza and Lays da Silva. Brazil earned bronze in 2024 and 2025 and will certainly aim for a major breakthrough in San Salvador. Veterans of two FIBA 3×3 World Cups, Guimarães will be akey player here, bringing valuable experience as Brazil look to navigate Qualifying Draw A and earn a place in the Main Draw.
6. Paraguay
Paraguay finished fifth in 2025 and will aim to build on that result with experienced campaigner Paola Ferrari in the mix. After appearing at five Women’s Series stops this season, including a sixth-place finish in Xiantao, Paraguay have plenty of recent international experience to draw on.
7. Mexico
Mexico finished sixth at home last year and will look to take another step forward in San Salvador. Mariana Janeth Rodriguez García brings experience from last year’s tournament and Mexico’s domestic 3×3 basketball scene as the team prepare to face Chile and a Qualifying Draw B winner in Pool C.
8. Argentina
Argentina reached the Quarter-Finals in 2025 and will be looking to make a deeper run this time around. Camila Rocio Peri returns for her fourth AmeriCup appearance, bringing valuable international and domestic 3×3 basketball experience to a team facing Puerto Rico in Pool D.
9. Venezuela
Venezuela enter Pool A alongside Canada and hosts El Salvador, giving them an immediate test against two teams with plenty of motivation. They will need to bring their best from the opening game to establish themselves as genuine contenders for a knockout-stage run.
10. Dominican Republic
The Dominican Republic must first navigate Qualifying Draw B against Cuba, Guatemala and Saint Lucia to earn a place in the Main Draw. Progress would set up a challenging Pool C assignment against Chile and Mexico, but qualification would give the team a valuable opportunity to test themselves against established regional opposition.
11. Cayman Islands
The Cayman Islands have a chance to make a statement in Pool B, where they will face defending champions USA and the winner of Qualifying Draw A. It is a demanding assignment, but a strong performance against the Americans would give the team an opportunity to turn heads in San Salvador.
12. El Salvador
The hosts may sit 12th in the rankings, but home-court support could give El Salvador an extra lift. Drawn into Pool A alongside Canada and Venezuela, the Salvadorans will have an immediate opportunity to test themselves against established competition in front of their home fans.
The women’s competition tips off with the Qualifying Draw on October 28-29, followed by pool play on October 30-31 before the knockout rounds and Finals on November 1.
And if history tells us anything, these rankings could look very different once the action begins in San Salvador.
Stay Connected
Follow all the latest action from the FIBA 3×3 Cups tournaments throughout the 2026 season by visiting the official FIBA 3×3 website, where you can find the latest news, star players and everything you need to know. Fans can also keep track of the Event Calendar and the latest FIBA 3×3 Individual and Federation Rankings as teams and players continue their push toward the season finale.
Want to learn more about 3×3 basketball? Explore the official FIBA 3×3 Rules to understand the unique fast-paced format of the game, or discover the FIBA 3×3 Competition Structure to see how the discipline’s global pathway connects grassroots events, professional tours and world-class international competitions.
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