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) – Latvia (men) and the Netherlands (women) impress in pool play with perfect displays on Day 2 of the FIBA 3×3 Europe Cup Crelan 2026 on September 12. 

Teams

Latvia (men)

The reigning world champs have their sights set on an international double, and their pool phase performance showed they have what it takes to make it happen. 

They went toe-to-toe against Ireland in their opening game. While they had to stave off Ireland’s barrage from beyond the two-point line, Latvia emerged victorious 21 – 16. Kristaps Gluditis went on a scoring tear, putting up 11 points, including 4 two-pointers of his own to earn them the win.

Their second matchup in pool phase would be a rematch of the 2025 Europe Cup Final. They would take on current European champions Lithuania in a hotly contested battle. Though back-and-forth for most of the games proceedings, it was Latvia who held on at the end, sealing a 22 – 16 victory to finish pool phase with a 2-0 record. 

Serbia also managed to finish perfect in pool action with wins over Switzerland and Belgium to seal their knockout phase spot. Also joining them would be Belgium and Lithuania who earned their place into the final 16. 

Netherlands (women)

The reigning European winners showcased just what they do best in pool phase – win. The Dutch, arguably one of the most on-form sides in 3×3, came out swinging on Day 2, earning two dominant wins to seal their quarter-final spot. 

Their opener was a marquee matchup against Azerbaijan which saw the Dutch showcase their surgical selves, grinding down their opposition while sticking to their offensive gameplan to come away with a 21 – 12 win. Noortje Driessen stole the spotlight with her historic performance. She put up 13 points, tying the single-game record for most points scored by a women’s player in Europe Cup history. 

It was a similar tale in their second game of the day against Ukraine. It was yet another physical battle and once again, the Netherlands got the job done with a 19 – 14 victory. Noortje Driessen and Ilse Kuijt both put up 8 points to lead the way for the Dutch.  

Azerbaijan, France and Czechia also earned their spot into the knockout rounds on the day. 

Players

Kristaps Gluditis (Men)

When Latvia needed buckets, Kristaps Gluditis answered the call every single time.

He put up double digit points in their opener, an 11-point game in their win against Ireland before following it up with a team-high 9 points in a huge win over Lithuania. His efficient scoring from both inside and outside made him an unstoppable force for Latvia on the day and a crucial piece in their bid for the European title in Antwerp.

Noortje Driessen (Women)

It was a day to remember for Noortje Driessen who put up historic numbers for the Dutch in their perfect pool run. 

In their opening tie against a contending Azerbaijan, Driessen put up 13 points, a single-game record for most points scored by a women’s player in Europe Cup history. She chipped in with another joint-high 8 points in their 19 – 14 win against Ukraine, showing just why she’s 3×3’s premier star. 

Her hot start in Antwerp bodes well for the Dutch as they get set to defend their title in the knockout phase tomorrow. 

Quarter-Finals Matchups

Men’s 

QF1: Serbia v Lithuania
QF2: Germany v Netherlands
QF3: Spain v France
QF4: Latvia v Belgium

Women’s

QF1: Netherlands v Czechia
QF2: Germany v Slovenia 
QF3: Spain v Belgium
QF4: France v Azerbaijan

Day 3

The European crown will be earned tomorrow as we dive into knockout action. Don’t miss the action, tune in LIVE through the FIBA 3×3 YouTube channel.

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

Latvia broke Poland in overtime and silenced Warsaw in Group B of the 3×3 World Cup

The Latvian men’s national 3×3 basketball team achieved an important victory at the FIBA 3×3 World Cup 2026, after defeating host Poland 22:20 in Warsaw after overtime. According to FIBA’s official schedule and results, the Group B game was played on Tuesday, June 2, 2026, in the evening slot, and the OT mark confirms that the duel was decided after the end of regulation time. The encounter had all the elements of a high-pressure game: a home crowd, a tied score, quick changes of rhythm and a finish in which every mistake turned into a direct threat. In such circumstances, Latvia showed more composure in the final possessions and reached a victory that restored its stability after an earlier defeat to the United States of America. Poland, despite its second defeat in the group, left the impression of a team that, in front of its fans, can compete on equal terms with higher-ranked opponents.

The host close to a major scalp

Poland entered the game aware that, after the 19:21 defeat to Mongolia, it needed a strong response in order to remain in serious contention for the continuation of the competition. FIBA’s official schedule shows that the home national team had already lost a tight duel in its first Group B appearance, so the meeting with Latvia carried additional weight. In 3×3 basketball there is not much time to correct poor stretches, because the game is played on one basket, with a shorter shot clock and constant changes of possession. Poland therefore had to maintain a high level of concentration from the first to the last attack, and the 20:22 score shows that it was very close to a turnaround that would have changed the mood in the group. Still, Latvia prevailed in the closing stage, a national team that in this format has for years had a recognizable competitive identity and experience in major games.

Latvia’s victory was not only a matter of two points won in the standings, but also a psychological response after an opening defeat. According to FIBA’s official results, Latvia had earlier lost in Group B to the United States of America 14:17, which meant that a new defeat would have significantly complicated its position before the final day of the group. In that context, the duel with Poland was a test of character, especially because it was played against the host and in an atmosphere that naturally carried the Polish team. Latvia reached victory only after overtime, but precisely such games often determine the difference between candidates for a high finish and teams that remain in a zone of uncertainty. In 3×3 basketball, where the rhythm changes from attack to attack, an overtime victory carries additional value because it confirms the ability to make decisions under the greatest pressure.

Why the 22:20 result is especially significant in 3×3 basketball

According to FIBA’s rules for 3×3 basketball, a game lasts 10 minutes, the attack is limited to 12 seconds, and the encounter can end even before time expires if one team reaches 21 points. If the score is tied after regulation time, overtime is played, in which the team that first scores two points wins. For that reason, the final score of 22:20 clearly shows that it was a game in which one move in the extra period could decide everything. Such a format gives special weight to every shot behind the arc, every ball won and every defensive reaction after a change of possession. Compared with traditional basketball, a lead melts more quickly in the 3×3 format, but it can also be built just as quickly, so teams must play aggressively and rationally at the same time.

Precisely because of these rules, overtimes in 3×3 basketball often have pronounced drama. There is no room for long tactical waiting, and every attack can be the last if the opponent is one step away from two points in the extra period. By reaching overtime, Poland had already shown that it could respond to Latvia’s quality, but Latvia handled the finish more effectively. According to the official FIBA 3×3 rules, baskets inside the arc and free throws are worth one point, while a shot behind the arc is worth two points, which additionally explains why games can be broken open by one precise long-range attempt. Detailed statistics of individual points for this duel were not currently available in the overview of the official sources used, so the analysis relies on the confirmed result, the competition phase and the group context.

Group B remains one of the most demanding in the men’s tournament

In the announcement of the groups for the 2026 World Cup, FIBA highlighted that men’s Group B includes the United States of America, Latvia, Mongolia, Czechia and host Poland. The composition of the group alone already announced a very difficult schedule for Poland, because the same competition features national teams with strong international experience and different styles of play. FIBA presented Latvia as the Olympic winner from Tokyo in 3×3 basketball, while the United States of America was listed in the group announcement as the winner of the FIBA 3×3 Champions Cup 2026. Czechia additionally confirmed the difficulty of the group in its first two appearances, because according to FIBA’s standings after two rounds it had two victories and held first place. In such an environment every game carries serious consequences, and Latvia’s triumph against Poland is particularly important because it came after an initial stumble.

After the first duels in Group B, the official FIBA standings showed Czechia at the top with two wins from two games. The United States of America, Latvia and Mongolia each had one victory, while Poland remained without a win after two tight defeats. Such an outcome means that the host found itself in a difficult, but not completely closed, situation, because it still has duels remaining that can change the overall picture. FIBA’s schedule for June 4 envisages Latvia’s games against Czechia and Mongolia, while Poland faces Czechia and the United States of America. That is an extremely demanding end to the group for both national teams, but with the 22:20 victory Latvia entered that day in a significantly better position than the host.

Warsaw as the center of the tenth edition of the tournament

FIBA stated in its preview material that the FIBA 3×3 World Cup 2026 is being held from June 1 to 7 in Warsaw and that it is the tenth edition of the main world competition in this format. The tournament brings together 40 national teams, 20 in the men’s and 20 in the women’s competition, which makes it one of the most concentrated international events in basketball. The competition is being held at Parade Square, or Plac Defilad, in the center of the Polish capital, next to the Palace of Culture and Science. Such a location further emphasizes the urban character of 3×3 basketball, a discipline based on speed, intensity and closeness to the crowd. The game between Poland and Latvia therefore also had a broader framework than the sporting result itself, because the host played in front of a crowd that gave the tournament a special local meaning.

According to FIBA’s information, the group stage lasts from June 1 to 4, while the knockout section is played from June 5 to 7, when the new world champions will be decided. In the men’s competition, Spain is defending the title, having, according to FIBA, won the trophy at the 2025 edition in Ulaanbaatar, while in the women’s competition the defending champion is the Netherlands. Such context shows that the tournament in Warsaw is not merely a series of quick games in an attractive urban setting, but a competition that brings together current champions, Olympic winners and national teams that, through continental and qualifying systems, are trying to break into the top. The duel between Poland and Latvia, although played in the early phase of the competition, fit into that pattern because it showed how small the margins are between victory and defeat in a group with several serious candidates for advancement.

Latvia survived the pressure, Poland remained without a reward

The Latvian national team in Warsaw did not have the luxury of a calm entry into the game with Poland. The defeat to the USA in its first appearance put it in a position in which a second failure would have opened serious questions before the end of the group. The victory over the host therefore had double value: in terms of results, because it brought Latvia its first victory at the tournament, and competitively, because it showed that the team can react after a weaker start. In 3×3 basketball, psychological momentum is often just as important as tactical preparation, since games are played in short intervals and the group schedule is very compressed. It was precisely in such circumstances that Latvia achieved a result that keeps it in the fight for the continuation of the competition.

Poland, on the other hand, can draw sporting confirmation from this game, but not points that would ease the continuation of its path. Two defeats by a total margin of four points, 19:21 against Mongolia and 20:22 against Latvia, according to FIBA’s results show that the host was not outplayed, but lost two games in the very closing stages. This is a particularly painful scenario in 3×3 basketball, because the impression of equality does not automatically turn into a better position in the standings. Poland had the chance against Latvia to create a major story in front of its home crowd, but ended up on the opposite side of one of the most dramatic games of the second day. Ahead of the continuation of the group, it is left with the task of finding a way to turn a good level of play into victory against opponents who are, according to the rankings and previews, among the toughest in the group.

A game that can set the tone for the group finish

Latvia’s 22:20 against Poland could have a much greater effect than just one result in the schedule. In a group where tight outcomes have already occurred, every victory changes the balance and increases the pressure on the next games. Czechia, according to FIBA’s standings after two encounters, was in the best position, but behind it a group of national teams formed that cannot rely on a safe advantage. With the victory against Poland, Latvia avoided the most unfavorable scenario and remained among the teams actively deciding their own fate. Poland, by contrast, remained in a position in which it must seek victories against exceptionally demanding opponents and at the same time follow the outcomes of the other games.

For spectators and for the tournament as a whole, such a duel confirms why 3×3 basketball has become one of FIBA’s most dynamic formats. The game is short, but tactically and physically extremely demanding, and the result can be overturned in only a few possessions. In Warsaw, Poland got a game that kept the crowd in suspense until the very end, while Latvia got what it needed most at that moment: a victory, a return of confidence and a better entry into the closing stage of Group B. The continuation of the competition will show whether this was the moment that directed Latvia toward the knockout phase or only a brief respite in one of the most evenly matched groups of the tournament. For Poland, the 20:22 result remains a reminder that it was close against major opponents, but also that in 3×3 basketball closeness is not rewarded if the final points belong to the opponent.

Sources:
– FIBA 3×3 – official schedule and results of the FIBA 3×3 World Cup 2026, including the game Poland – Latvia 20:22 after overtime (link)
– FIBA 3×3 – official standings of the men’s groups after the games played in Group B (link)
– FIBA Basketball – tournament preview with information about the date, location, format, number of national teams and defending champions (link)
– FIBA Basketball – announcement of the group compositions for the FIBA 3×3 World Cup 2026 and the context of Group B (link)
– FIBA 3×3 – official summary of the rules of 3×3 basketball, including the duration of the game, the 12-second shot clock, the 21-point limit and the overtime rule (link)

WARSAW (Poland) – Latvia (men) and Azerbaijan (women) stole headlines in an action-packed play-in day of the FIBA 3×3 World Cup 2026 on June 5. 

TEAMS 

LATVIA (men)

It was touted to be the game of the day. An experienced Latvia against an ascending New Zealand. The Latvians would offer Two-Point Nation their biggest test yet in a battle for a Quarter-Final spot.

While New Zealand would battle till the end off the back of a monstrous performance from Te Tuhi Lewis who put up 10 points in the game, Latvia would prove to be too much, coming away with 21 – 19 winners. Karlis Lasmanis put up 6 points but it would be Nauris Miezis go would earn plaudits with his 10-point outburst. 

The Latvians are clicking on all cylinders heading into Quarter-Final action tomorrow.

AZERBAIJAN (women)

In what was the most physical game of the day, Azerbaijan faced Lithuania in a contest where both teams turned the heat up on the defensive end.

Lithuania prevented Azerbaijan from finding their rhythm offensively, making it difficult for the dominant Brianna Fraser to impose her will. In a low-scoring battle that went to OT, it would be anybody’s game.

Who answered the call? Azerbaijan’s Arica Carter. She drilled a dagger in Overtime to seal a 14 – 12 victory for the side, setting them up for a massive Quarter-Final battle against Germany. 

QUARTER-FINAL MATCHUPS

MEN’S

Serbia vs Netherlands

Latvia vs Lithuania 

Germany vs Austria

France vs United States 

WOMEN’S

Netherlands v Hungary

Australia v Ukraine

Germany v Azerbaijan

France v United States

DAY 6

We have our Final 8 in both the men’s and women’s category. The field will be halved tomorrow before the epic conclusion on Day 7. You don’t wanna miss the action, catch it all LIVE through the FIBA 3×3 YouTube channel.

WARSAW (Poland) – Latvia men and USA women were crowned winners after a thrilling final day at the FIBA 3×3 World Cup 2026 on June 7.

Played in front of a passionate crowd at Parade Square in the heart of Warsaw, the competition concluded after seven days of world-class action featuring the best men’s and women’s 3×3 basketball national teams from across the globe.

With more than one hundred thousand spectators over seven days, the FIBA 3×3 World Cup 2026 was a huge success, featuring sold-out sessions, incredible games and a thrilling conclusion to the competition.

Latvia won their first-ever FIBA 3×3 World Cup title to become the first team to claim Olympic gold (Tokyo 2020), the FIBA 3×3 Europe Cup (2017) and the FIBA 3×3 World Cup (2026). They had previously added the FIBA 3×3 World Tour title in 2020 to their trophy cabinet.

In the final, they defeated Germany 20-15, led by tournament MVP and top scorer Karlis Lasmanis, who finished the game with 12 points, while Denzel Agyeman, who also earned a place on the Team of the Tournament, scored 9 points for Germany.

Lasmanis and Agyeman were joined on the Team of the Tournament by Strahinja Stojacic of Serbia, who won bronze for the second straight year after defeating France 20-19.

On the women’s side, USA won their fourth FIBA 3×3 World Cup title (2012, 2014, 2023 and 2026), led by tournament MVP Mikaylah Williams, who scored the game-winner in the final. They defeated Australia 21-20, with the Australians reaching the World Cup final for the first time in their history.

Williams was joined on the FIBA 3×3 World Cup 2026 Team of the Tournament by Australia’s Amy Atwell, who finished as the tournament’s top scorer with 49 points. They were joined by Noortje Driessen, who led the Netherlands to bronze after a 21-14 victory over Azerbaijan.

Men’s Standings

1. Latvia

2. Germany

3. Serbia

4. France

5. Lithuania

6. Netherlands

7. Austria

8. United States

9. Czechia

10. New Zealand

11. Madagascar

12. Belgium

13. Brazil

14. Spain

15. Mongolia

16. Puerto Rico

17. China

18. Poland

19. Australia

20. Japan

Women’s Standings

1. United States

2. Australia

3. Netherlands

4. Azerbaijan

5. Germany

6. Ukraine

7. Hungary

8. France

9. Latvia

10. China

11. Lithuania

12. Czechia

13. Spain

14. Canada

15. Japan

16. Poland

17. Philippines

18. Mongolia

19. Italy

20. Madagascar

The 10th edition of the FIBA 3×3 World Cup delivered unforgettable moments, dramatic upsets and new milestones for the sport.

With the road to Los Angeles 2028 firmly underway, the global 3×3 basketball community now looks ahead to the next events on the international calendar. The next edition of the FIBA 3×3 World Cup will be hosted by Singapore in 2027.

FIBA

The road to LA28

Beyond the glory, Warsaw mattered enormously for the road to LA28, where 3×3 basketball expands from eight teams per gender at Paris 2024 to twelve.

The USA are already qualified as hosts, and the Netherlands’ women and Spain’s men have also secured places in the Olympic Qualifying Tournament pathway following their performances at the Champions Cup in Bangkok earlier this year. 

Basketball’s global governing body FIBA operates a dedicated 24-month Federation Ranking cycle running until December 2027, which will determine five of the 11 available qualifying spots per gender. Those spots are distributed regionally — one each to the top-ranked federation in Africa, the Americas, and Europe, and two to Asia-Pacific, with at least one reserved for an Asian nation.

The ranking is built from the points each player earns at FIBA-endorsed events, based on how far their team advances, whether they win games before the time limit, and their own performance stats. A nation’s Federation Ranking is then calculated by adding up the individual points of its top 25-ranked players. The World Cup sits at the very top of that competition network, making its points the most valuable of the entire season.

The remaining six qualifying spots will be determined by four qualifying tournaments held between March and June 2028. The next World Cup — and the next chance to bank crucial ranking points — takes place in Singapore in 2027.

As National Olympic Committees have the exclusive authority for the representation of their respective teams at the Olympic Games, athletes’ participation at the LA Games depends on their NOC selecting them to represent their delegation at LA28.