ANTWERP (Belgium) – The FIBA 3×3 Europe Cup Crelan 2026 is almost here, and the women’s field is packed with contenders capable of making a run at the title. Defending champions Netherlands lead the Power Rankings, with France, Azerbaijan and Spain among the teams closest behind. But with 3×3 basketball’s trademark unpredictability, the pecking order could change quickly once the action at the European Championship arena on Groenplaats begins.
1. Netherlands
The reigning FIBA 3×3 Europe Cup Women’s champions sit at the top of the rankings and have every reason to feel confident. Led by reigning Europe Cup MVP Noortje Driessen, the Dutch remain the team to beat. Yes, that’s despite falling short at the recent FIBA Women’s Series Project Redwings Shanghai Final 2026. There’s nothing more dangerous than defending champions entering a tournament with chips on their shoulders. Another continental crown would further cement their dominance.
2. France
France have been one of the defining forces in women’s 3×3 basketball, and they arrive in Antwerp with serious championship quality, especially after reigning supreme at last weekend’s Women’s Series Shanghai Final. Laetitia Guapo gives them an elite offensive weapon, especially after being named Women’s Series Shanghai Final MVP award. France are chasing a fourth Europe Cup title, and they have a strong shot at success.
3. Azerbaijan
Azerbaijan were last year’s runners-up, and they would love nothing more than to scale the Europe Cup summit. For now, though, they land at No.3. Alexandra Mollenhauer has become the face of that emergence, combining scoring ability with leadership. Of course, Europe Cup 2025 Team of the Tournament member Arica Carter is back for even more offensive punch. Azerbaijan enter Antwerp with clearly unfinished business.
4. Spain
Spain enter the tournament as one of Europe’s most experienced 3×3 basketball nations and sit fourth in the rankings. Gracia Alonso de Armiño now provides veteran leadership as a new generation takes center stage following the retirements of Sandra Ygueravide and Vega Gimeno. Their pool-stage clash with Hungary should be one of the early games to watch.
5. Germany
Germany are the reigning women’s Olympic champions. They have maintained a formidable women’s 3×3 basketball program and rank fifth heading into Antwerp. Ama Degbeon and Marie Reichert give them size, length, physicality and versatility. The pair’s collective rebounding and rim protection made them a standout on the FIBA 3×3 Women’s Series 2026. Now, they will just have to find a way to ignite their offense. Do that, and they will have the tools to climb the rankings quickly.
6. Slovenia
Slovenia sit sixth, but they are by no means slouches. They will look to make their mark against two of the tournament’s highly-touted teams in Spain and Hungary. Eva Lisec will lead the way with her impressive play in the paint. Aside from her, Slovenia’s balanced approach makes them a potential spoiler. A strong pool-stage showing could launch them into the knockout rounds with momentum.
7. Poland
Poland rank seventh and will be looking to bounce back on the continental stage after a disappointing FIBA 3×3 World Cup 2026 campaign. Aleksandra Zięmborska gives them a clear offensive focal point capable of taking over stretches of a game. They could be one of the teams capable of upsetting the established order.
8. Czechia
Czechia occupy eighth but remain a dangerous opponent with plenty of 3×3 basketball experience. Karolína Sotolová will be one of the players to watch as they navigate a challenging Pool C. Their ability to execute in close games could prove decisive.
9. Hungary
Hungary may be ninth, but their recent results suggest they deserve plenty of respect. Recall that they swept the Slovakia Qualifier. They also shocked Spain at the recent FIBA 3×3 World Cup and possess the offensive firepower to trouble higher-ranked opponents. Another upset in Antwerp would hardly come as a surprise.
10. Ukraine
Ukraine round out the top 10 and arrive after earning their Europe Cup spot through qualification, sweeping the Romania Qualifier. That said, they face a very difficult Pool A alongside last year’s Europe Cup Final protagonists Netherlands and Azerbaijan. With nothing to lose, though, Ukraine can embrace the underdog role and put pressure on the favorites.
11. Belgium
The hosts sit 11th in the rankings, but home-court advantage could give Belgium an important boost. Playing in front of the Antwerp crowd provides an opportunity to exceed expectations. They will need to hit the ground running in a tough Pool D against Germany and Poland.
12. Sweden
Sweden enter as the No.12-ranked team, but their qualification campaign showed they can compete with Europe’s best. They went 4-1 during the Romania Qualifiers, earning their place in Antwerp. Remember that this team beat the likes of Lithuania and Latvia, both of whom played at this year’s FIBA 3×3 World Cup. Now, Sweden have the chance to turn that momentum into a major tournament surprise.
The Netherlands may start on top, but the gap is anything but insurmountable. With champions, challengers and rising powers all eyeing the podium, Antwerp promises to deliver a women’s tournament where anything can happen.
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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