SALVADOR (Brazil) – The final push for the FIBA 3×3 World Tour 2026 reaches Brazil as the FIBA 3×3 Salvador Challenger 2026 brings an international field to the Parque de Exposições de Salvador in Itapuã on November 7-8. The 28th and last Challenger of the season offers one last opportunity for teams to secure a place at the FIBA 3×3 World Tour Hong Kong 2026, with three qualification spots up for grabs.
Contenders collide
The Salvador Challenger features several established World Tour contenders, led by Miami (USA) and Antwerp (BEL), currently fifth and sixth, respectively, in the FIBA 3×3 World Tour 2026 season standings.
Both teams have enjoyed productive campaigns, collecting one World Tour stop victory and three Challenger titles apiece. Miami will look to build on their consistent form, while Antwerp arrive with plenty of experience and a proven winning pedigree.
Vienna (AUT), ranked 13th overall, add another serious contender after claiming a Challenger title this season. Meanwhile, Bordeaux (FRA) and Valencia Basket (ESP), ranked 24th and 28th, respectively, will be eager to break through and capture their first Challenger victories of the year.
Shibuya (JPN) also bring winning momentum, having already claimed one Challenger title, while Cotai WOLFUNITED (MAC) will be looking to make another statement on the international circuit. Princeton (USA) round out the group of notable contenders. Although ranked 57th overall, Princeton have already secured their place at World Tour Hong Kong through the 3X SHOWCASE – STOP 2.
Star power
The tournament will also feature an impressive collection of individual talent.
Miami will lean on Henry Caruso, who helped USA win the recent FIBA 3×3 AmeriCup 2026. Meanwhile, Antwerp will have sharp-shooter Dennis Donkor leading their charge. Vienna’s Nico Kaltenbrunner adds another proven performer to the mix, with Princeton counting on the experience of Jerome Desrosiers.
There will be plenty of other players to watch. Bordeaux’s Alex Vialaret brings scoring ability and FIBA 3×3 World Cup experience, while Shibuya will look to Kristaps Gluditis for offensive production. Carlos Martinez gives Valencia Basket another dangerous weapon, and Stanislav Sharov will be among the key figures for Cotai WOLFUNITED.
Full Seeding List
1. Miami (USA)
2. Antwerp (BEL)
3. Vienna (AUT)
4. Princeton (USA)
5. Bordeaux (FRA)
6. Shibuya (JPN)
7. Valencia Basket (ESP)
8. Cotai WOLFUNITED (MAC)
9. Uzice Zlatiborac (SRB)
10. Diadema (BRA)
11. San Salvador (ESA)
12. La Guaira (VEN)
13. B. Horizonte (BRA)
14. Coracao Maria (BRA)
15. Juba (SSD)
Pools
Qualifying Draw A: Shibuya (JPN), B. Horizonte (BRA), Coracao Maria (BRA)
Qualifying Draw B: San Salvador (ESA), La Guaira (VEN), Juba (SSD)
Main Draw
Pool A: Miami (USA), Cotai WOLFUNITED (MAC), Uzice Zlatiborac (SRB)
Pool B: Antwerp (BEL), Valencia Basket (ESP), Diadema (BRA)
Pool C: Bordeaux (FRA), QD A1, QD A2
Pool D: Vienna (AUT), Princeton (USA), QD B
Final stop, final opportunity
With the Challenger season reaching its conclusion, Salvador represents the last chance for teams to strengthen their FIBA 3×3 World Tour credentials through the qualifying circuit. Three tickets to Hong Kong are at stake, adding another layer of urgency to an already competitive field.
At the Parque de Exposições de Salvador, every possession will matter as established contenders and ambitious challengers battle for one final opportunity to reach the World Tour stage.
Stay Connected
Follow all the latest action from the FIBA 3×3 World Tour throughout the 2026 season by visiting the official World Tour website, where you can find the latest news, team standings, player statistics and everything you need to follow the Race to the Final. 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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