ANTWERP (Belgium) – Latvia (men) and the Netherlands (women) took home the win at the FIBA 3×3 Europe Cup Crelan 2026 on September 13.

On the men’s side, Latvia completed their international double for the season, following up their FIBA 3×3 World Cup 2026 win with the European title in Antwerp. They defeated the Netherlands 19 – 10 in the Final.

While it was a tandem effort for the Latvians on their journey to the Final, Rihards Kuksiks was the one to lead his side in scoring with 7 in the Final, 6 of which came from beyond the two-point arc as his timely buckets proved to be the difference to earn them the top spot on the podium. 

On the women’s side, the Dutch went back-to-back, repeating their heroics from 2025 with another European title in Antwerp. They came away as 16 – 13 victors against Spain in the Final. Noortje Driessen and Ilse Kuijt both combined for 6 points in the all-important game. 

MVP plaudits went to Latvia’s Kristaps Gluditis on the men’s side. He was the offensive force for his side, putting up a team-high 32 points throughout the tournament. Joining him in the men’s team of the tournament were Nesta Agasi from the Netherlands and France’s Lorenzo Thirouard-Samson who played key roles in their sides making the podium. 

For the women, it was none other than Noortje Driessen for the Dutch who led the tournament in total points scored and player-value with 44 and 50.7 respectively. Her dominant run was crucial to the Dutch taking the European title. Alongside her in the women’s team of the tournament were Spain’s Txell Alarcón and Azerbaijan’s Brianna Fraser who led the way for their Nations earning podium spots.   

Standings

Men’s 

1. Latvia

2. Netherlands

3. France

4. Serbia

5. Germany

6. Spain

7. Lithuania

8. Belgium

9. Switzerland

10. Italy

11. Estonia

12. Ireland

Women’s 

1. Netherlands

2. Spain

3. Azerbaijan

4. Slovenia

5. Germany

6. France

7. Belgium

8. Czechia

9. Sweden

10. Poland

11. Hungary

12. Ukraine

The FIBA 3×3 Europe Cup Crelan 2026 delivered three days of high-intensity 3×3 basketball, with Europe’s best national teams battling for continental supremacy in the heart of Antwerp in front of a sold-out crowd

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About FIBA 3×3

Exciting, urban and innovative, 3×3 is inspired by several forms of streetball played worldwide and is considered the world’s number one urban team sport. Steered by FIBA, games see two teams of three players face off on a basketball half-court.

It was played successfully for the first time in international competition at the 2010 Youth Olympic Games in Singapore and since then has benefited from the launch of a yearly professional circuit for men and women (World Tour and Women’s Series respectively) and national-team competitions. 3×3 made its Olympic debut at the Tokyo 2020 Games.

FIBA

ANTWERP (Belgium) – Noortje Driessen of the Netherlands capped a dominant FIBA 3×3 Europe Cup Crelan 2026 campaign by being named the Most Valuable Player after leading the Dutch women to back-to-back European titles.

Driessen was the driving force behind the Netherlands’ successful title defense, leading the entire tournament in both scoring and player value as the Dutch once again claimed continental supremacy.

The Netherlands star finished with a tournament-best 44 points and 50.7 player value, while also topping the competition in highlights (19), free throws made (11) and drives (16).

Her all-around dominance proved crucial as the Netherlands navigated the pressure of defending their FIBA 3×3 Europe Cup 2025 crown and ultimately returned to the top of preoverbial the European podium.

Driessen’s consistency and ability to create in a variety of ways made her one of the defining players of the tournament, with her performances providing the spark the Dutch needed throughout their run.

After completing the title defense, Driessen credited the team’s collective work and chemistry for their success.

“We had a really good summer. Last year, we won the gold medal, and I think that’s just our main goal for this tournament because we know what we can do,” Driessen said. “We practice so much together. We all have our own role. Every player on this team is so talented. With the hard work we put in, it’s going pretty good.”

Driessen was joined in the Women’s Team of the Tournament by Spain’s Txell Alarcón and Azerbaijan’s Brianna Fraser, who played key roles in guiding their nations to podium finishes.

For Driessen, the MVP honor provides the perfect individual recognition for a tournament in which she combined elite production with the ultimate team achievement: another Europe Cup gold medal.

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.

FIBA

ANTWERP (Belgium) – Three days of high-level 3×3 basketball in Antwerp produced two familiar champions and a host of memorable milestones. Latvia returned to the top of the European podium for the first time since 2017, while the Netherlands women successfully defended their crown to claim their third Europe Cup title in four editions. Along the way, the tournament showcased the growing depth, competitiveness and unpredictability of European 3×3.

Champions again

It had been nine years since Latvia last lifted the FIBA 3×3 Europe Cup trophy, but the wait is over. The reigning world champions added a second European title to their collection after triumphing at the European Championship arena on Groenplaats in Antwerp, with Kristaps Gluditis emerging as one of the tournament’s defining players along the way.

Gluditis finished with 32 points, including a tournament-best nine two-pointers, before being named Men’s MVP. Latvia’s triumph also adds another major trophy to a remarkable 2026, following their FIBA 3×3 World Cup success earlier in the year. The message from Latvia was clear throughout: the world champions are not satisfied with just one title.

Building a dynasty

Three titles in four editions. Back-to-back championships. The Netherlands women are establishing themselves as the team to beat in European women’s 3×3 basketball. After winning the FIBA 3×3 Europe Cup in 2023 and 2025, the Dutch returned to the top again in Antwerp, with their only interruption coming in 2024 when they finished third.

At the center of it all was Noortje Driessen. The reigning MVP delivered another dominant tournament, leading the competition in both points scored and Player Value with 44 and 50.7 respectively. She also topped the field in highlights, free throws made and drives. Her reward was a second consecutive Europe Cup MVP award and another sign of just how consistently she has performed on the continental stage.

Just getting deeper

If Antwerp proved anything, it is that European 3×3 basketball is becoming increasingly difficult to predict. France men returned to the podium for the first time since 2019, when they finished runners-up. Meanwhile, the Netherlands men recorded their best-ever Europe Cup finish with silver after previously taking bronze in 2016 and 2022.

Estonia men made their first appearance at the Europe Cup, while Sweden women also played in their very first Europe Cup and even recorded a victory, beating Czechia 15-12 in pool play.

Czechia women also made their return to the top eight after missing the 2024 and 2025 editions, while Slovenia women were back at the Europe Cup for the first time since 2016 and reached the Semi-Finals for the first time since 2014. For hosts Belgium, the women’s team also returned to the competition for the first time since 2021.

The bigger picture is clear: more countries are competing, more teams are making breakthroughs and the gap between Europe’s established powers and emerging contenders continues to narrow.

What 3×3 brings to a city

The action on court was only part of the story. More than 7,000 spectators attended the venue across the first two days, while the final day sold out all seats across both sessions. With Groenplaats transformed into a purpose-built 3×3 arena in the heart of Antwerp, the Europe Cup brought elite international basketball directly into the city.

It was a fitting setting for a discipline that continues to thrive on accessibility, atmosphere and bringing the game closer to fans.

Setting the standard

Latvia’s return to European glory and the Netherlands’ continued dominance offered two very different paths to the top of the podium.

For Latvia, it was a long-awaited return to the European crown, nine years after their previous title in 2017 and just months after being crowned world champions.

For the Netherlands women, it was another chapter in a remarkable run of success, with their third Europe Cup title in four editions and a second straight MVP award for Noortje Driessen.

But Antwerp was also about the bigger picture. From first-time appearances and breakthrough victories to returning contenders and new podium finishes, the tournament showcased just how quickly the European 3×3 landscape is evolving.

The Europe Cup may be over, but if Antwerp taught us anything, it is that the level, depth and ambition of European 3×3 basketball continue to rise.

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.

FIBA

ANTWERP (Belgium) – Latvia arrive at the FIBA 3×3 Europe Cup Crelan 2026 as world champions, but the team taking the court in Antwerp will look notably different from the one that conquered Warsaw. Karlis Lasmanis, the FIBA 3×3 World Cup 2026 MVP, and Francis Lacis will both be absent, leaving Nauris Miezis and Zigmars Raimo to lead a reshuffled squad into their next major challenge.

Latvia’s World Cup 2026 triumph added another glorious chapter to the country’s decorated 3×3 history. For Miezis, it also completed a remarkable collection, adding World Cup gold to his previous Olympic and Europe Cup triumphs. One of the game’s premier playmakers and shooters, the veteran remains the heartbeat of a Latvian team that knows exactly what it takes to win on the biggest stages.

That pedigree should give Latvia plenty of belief in Antwerp, even if their new-look roster will have to quickly find their rhythm. Miezis and Raimo provide the stability and continuity, while Kristaps Gludītis could prove to be an x-factor after recently helping Shibuya capture the FIBA 3×3 Kaohsiung Challenger 2026. Rihards Kuksiks completes a quartet that will be tasked with showing Latvia’s strength extends beyond the group that lifted the World Cup trophy.

There will be little time to settle in, though. Latvia have landed in a fascinating Pool C alongside Ireland and defending Europe Cup champions Lithuania. The Baltic rivals have become increasingly familiar with each other on the biggest stages, and there is unfinished business on both sides.

Lithuania defeated Latvia in the FIBA 3×3 Europe Cup 2025 Final to claim the continental crown, but Latvia turned the tables at the World Cup this year, eliminating their neighbors in the Quarter-Finals. Another meeting in Antwerp adds a new chapter to the rivalry. It will also provide an immediate indication of how well Latvia can adjust without Lasmanis and Lacis.

The stakes stretch beyond another piece of silverware. The men’s FIBA 3×3 Europe Cup Crelan 2026 winners will also book places at the FIBA 3×3 World Cup 2027 and FIBA 3×3 Champions Cup 2027, making every game in the compact tournament especially valuable.

Latvia therefore arrive with confidence, but also with something new to prove. They have conquered the world, and their championship pedigree is unquestioned. Now Miezis, Raimo and a refreshed supporting cast have the chance to show they can do it again with a different combination.

Can the newly crowned world champions carry their winning form into Antwerp — even without their World Cup MVP?

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.

FIBA

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.

FIBA

ANTWERP (Belgium) – Europe’s best 3×3 basketball national teams are heading to Antwerp. From Olympic and World Cup champions to defending Europe Cup winners and rising contenders, the FIBA 3×3 Europe Cup Crelan 2026 has all the ingredients for another unforgettable three days of action.

Here’s everything you need to know before the action gets underway.

Where is the event?

The FIBA 3×3 Europe Cup Crelan 2026 heads to Groenplaats, right in the heart of Antwerp, Belgium.

A dedicated 3×3 basketball venue with a capacity of 1,500 spectators will sit at the European Championship Arena, while the surrounding Public Plaza will feature partner activations, food, drinks and activities for fans.

There will also be a warm-up court at Grote Markt, around four minutes from the main arena, bringing even more 3×3 basketball activity into the city center.

Of course, Antwerp is no stranger to major 3×3 basketball events. The city hosted the FIBA 3×3 World Cup 2022, where Serbia won the men’s title and France claimed women’s gold.

When is it?

The tournament runs from September 11-13.

Friday, September 11 – Pool Games

Saturday, September 12 – Pool Games

Sunday, September 13 – Knockout Games & Finals

Three days. 24 national teams. One European title in each category.

Who are the teams?

The tournament brings together 12 men’s and 12 women’s national teams.

The men’s field features Serbia, Netherlands, Lithuania, France, Germany, Latvia, Spain, Belgium, Switzerland, Italy, Ireland and Estonia.

The women’s field features Netherlands, Spain, France, Germany, Poland, Czechia, Hungary, Ukraine, Azerbaijan, Slovenia, Sweden and Belgium.

The field includes Olympic champions, World Cup winners, Europe Cup champions and some of the biggest stars from the FIBA 3×3 World Tour and Women’s Series.

Pools

Men

Pool A: Serbia, Belgium, Switzerland
Pool B: Netherlands, Spain, Italy
Pool C: Lithuania, Latvia, Ireland
Pool D: France, Germany, Estonia

Pool C immediately stands out, with defending Europe Cup champions Lithuania facing reigning FIBA 3×3 World Cup 2026 champions Latvia. That will be a rematch of last year’s Europe Cup Final. Pool B also brings together Paris 2024 Olympic champions Netherlands and FIBA 3×3 World Cup 2025 winners Spain, while Serbia-Belgium renews the World Tour rivalry between Strahinja Stojačić and Dennis Donkor.

Women

Pool A: Netherlands, Ukraine, Azerbaijan
Pool B: Spain, Hungary, Slovenia
Pool C: France, Czechia, Sweden
Pool D: Germany, Poland, Belgium

The Netherlands-Azerbaijan matchup is a rematch of last year’s Europe Cup Final, while Spain-Hungary brings back memories of Hungary’s surprise FIBA 3×3 World Cup 2026 win over the Spanish.

How does the competition work?

The same format applies to both the men’s and women’s tournaments.

The 12 teams are split into four pools of three, with every team playing the other two teams in their pool. The top two teams from each pool advance to the Quarter-Finals, followed by the Semi-Finals and Final. The losing Semi-Finalists then meet for the bronze medal.

With only three teams per pool, every game matters. One defeat can dramatically change a team’s route to the knockout rounds.

Who won last year?

Lithuania claimed the men’s title at the FIBA 3×3 Europe Cup 2025 in Copenhagen, defeating Latvia in the Final, while Netherlands captured the women’s crown after beating Azerbaijan.

Both defending champions return in Antwerp with their titles on the line. Lithuania will immediately face a huge challenge against Latvia, who eliminated them in the FIBA 3×3 World Cup 2026 Quarter-Finals. On the women’s side, the Netherlands will look to bounce back from losing their FIBA 3×3 World Cup crown and disappointing at the recent FIBA 3×3 Women’s Series Project Redwings Shanghai Final. They could be the first back-to-back Europe Cup women’s champions since France did it from 2018 to 2019.

Which players should you watch?

There is no shortage of star power in Antwerp.

In the Men’s Tournament, world No.1 Strahinja Stojačić leads Serbia, while Olympic champion Worthy de Jong anchors the Netherlands. Defending Europe Cup MVP Ignas Vaitkus returns for Lithuania, while Olympic, World Cup and Europe Cup champion Kārlis Lasmanis leads Latvia. France’s Hugo Suhard, Germany’s Fabian Giessmann, Spain’s Diego De Blas and home favorite Dennis Donkor are also among the names to watch.

On the Women’s side of things, weigning Europe Cup MVP Noortje Driessen headlines the Netherlands, with Spain’s Gracia Alonso de Armiño leading a new generation. France’s Laetitia Guapo arrives fresh from winning the Women’s Series Shanghai Final and its MVP award, while Azerbaijan’s Alexandra Mollenhauer, Germany’s Ama Degbeon, Poland’s Aleksandra Zięmborska, Czechia’s Karolína Sotolová and Hungary’s Klaudia Papp add plenty of firepower.

Why does the Europe Cup matter?

The FIBA 3×3 Europe Cup is more than a battle for continental bragging rights. It is Europe’s flagship national-team 3×3 basketball competition, bringing together some of the deepest talent in the discipline.

And the stakes extend beyond Antwerp: the men’s and women’s champions will qualify for both the FIBA 3×3 World Cup 2027 and FIBA 3×3 Champions Cup 2027.

How can you follow?

Fans around the world can follow the action through the official FIBA 3×3 YouTube channel, Olympic Channel and Unbeaten, alongside an extensive network of national broadcast partners.

Follow @FIBA3x3 across social media for schedules, results, highlights and behind-the-scenes coverage throughout the tournament.

The field in Antwerp is loaded, and the stakes are as high as they can be. Groenplaats is ready for three days of elite 3×3 basketball, and Europe is ready to crown its champions.

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.

FIBA

ANTWERP (Belgium) – The FIBA 3×3 Europe Cup Crelan 2026 tips off in Antwerp from September 11 to 13, bringing together Europe’s top men’s and women’s 3×3 basketball teams for three days of high-level action.

Fans around the world will be able to follow every crossover, clutch shot and highlight through an extensive network of broadcast partners covering Europe and beyond, on top of following the action on youtube.com/FIBA3x3.

Broadcast Partners

With the continent’s best players set to take center stage in Antwerp, the FIBA 3×3 Europe Cup Crelan 2026 promises another unforgettable showcase of the game’s fastest-growing urban team sport.

Stay tuned to https://fiba3x3.basketball/2026/europecup and follow @FIBA3x3 on social media for full schedules, results, highlights and exclusive behind-the-scenes coverage throughout the event.