WUHAN (China) – Serbia men and France women made major statements on Day 3 of the FIBA 3×3 U23 World Cup 2026, completing perfect pool-phase campaigns to secure their places in the Quarter-Finals. Serbia swept Men’s Pool A with a 4-0 record, while France did the same in Women’s Pool A. The Netherlands, Australia, China, Spain and Latvia also booked their places in the knockout stage as Pools A and C reached their conclusion.

Serbian sweep

Last year’s Men’s runners-up continued their impressive campaign by completing a perfect run through Men’s Pool A, defeating Germany 21-13 before closing out the day with a 21-15 victory over the Netherlands.

The win over Germany set the tone, with Miloš Cvrkota leading Serbia with nine points. Serbia then saved another strong performance for their last pool game, with Vuk Vukićević scoring nine points and producing seven highlights against the Netherlands. The two victories took Serbia to 4-0, making them and Australia the first Men’s teams to complete a perfect pool phase run, sending them through to the Quarter-Finals.

Leading from the front

Vukićević was at the heart of Serbia men’s success on Day 3. The Serbian star produced a total of 17 points on Day 3, helping his team finish the pool phase without a defeat. That result capped a strong pool campaign for Vukićević, who had already made his presence felt on Day 1 with 10 points against Kazakhstan and six against Tonga. He ends Day 3 as tied with Australia’s William Mahoney as the Men’s Tournament top-scorers with 33 points apiece.

With Serbia now through to the Quarter-Finals, Vukićević and his teammates have completed the first step toward their goal of going one better than last year’s silver medal.

Perfect run

France matched Serbia’s achievement on the Women’s side, sweeping Pool A with a 4-0 record after defeating Italy and Egypt on Day 3.

France opened the day with a commanding 21-9 victory over Italy, with Eléna Zemoura leading the way with seven points. Zemoura was again among France’s key contributors in their final pool game, adding six points, five rebounds and six highlights in a 16-10 victory over Egypt. The two wins completed France’s perfect campaign and secured their place in the Quarter-Finals.

Zemoura’s big day

Zemoura was one of France’s standout performers throughout Day 3, combining scoring with all-around production in both games. She opened with seven points against Italy before following that up with a triple-five effort against Egypt. Her 13 points across the two games helped France maintain their momentum as they closed out Pool A unbeaten and advanced to the knockout stage. She currently leads the Women’s Tournament in total player value with 42.9.

Australia sweep Pool C

Australia also completed a perfect Men’s Pool C campaign, defeating Kenya 21-8 before beating Algeria 21-13. Mahoney was the leading scorer in both games, putting up nine points against Kenya and another nine against Algeria, including three two-pointers in the latter victory. Griffin Gerald Biwer also produced a strong performance against Kenya, recording six points, 11 rebounds and six highlights as Australia controlled the game from the start.

Spain, Latvia and China advance

Spain also completed an unbeaten Women’s Pool C campaign, defeating Uganda 19-10 before edging Madagascar 17-14. Elena Rodríguez Domínguez contributed six points, five rebounds and five highlights against Uganda. Elena Moreno led Spain with five points against Madagascar. The two victories moved Spain to 4-0 and into the Quarter-Finals.

Latvia also secured their place in the Women’s knockout rounds after finishing Pool C with a 3-1 record. They defeated Uganda 21-8 before beating Tonga 21-4, with Ieva Korzāne producing 10 points, five rebounds and three two-pointers in the latter game.

Hosts China advanced from Women’s Pool A after ruling their two Day 3 games. They edged Italy 18-16 before defeating the Philippines 18-9, with Wu Mengjie erupting for 13 points and seven rebounds in the second victory.

Netherlands and France secure Men’s spots

The Netherlands completed a 3-1 Pool A record and advanced to the Men’s Quarter-Finals after beating Kazakhstan 22-9. Wessel Vankan led the way with 11 points and five highlights as the Netherlands bounced back from their defeat to Serbia.

France also booked their place in the Men’s knockout stage after finishing Pool C with a 3-1 record. They defeated Poland 20-13 before closing their campaign with a 21-6 win over Kenya.

Teams through to the knockout stage

Men’s Quarter-Finals

Serbia
Netherlands
Australia
France

Women’s Quarter-Finals

France
China
Spain
Latvia

What’s next?

Day 4 brings the conclusion of Pools B and D, with the remaining Quarter-Final spots up for grabs as the Men’s and Women’s knockout-stage fields are completed ahead of Day 5.

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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Published September 16, 2026 7:26pm

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The Gilas Pilipinas Men U23 team opened its 2026 FIBA 3×3 U23 World Cup campaign with back-to-back losses on Wednesday in Wuhan, China.

The Philippine bets fell to New Zealand and Spain to go 0-2 in Pool B while Latvia and Spain both lead the group with identical 2-0 cards followed by New Zealand at 1-1.

Gilas Pilipinas, bannered by Cabs Cabonillas, Jedric Daa, John Earl Medina, and Malcolm Tyler, opened its campaign with a 21-11 loss to New Zealand, which sealed the victory with still 3:41 left to spare off a Chris Martin basket.

New Zealand started the game with an 11-4 run before Far Eastern University rookie Cabonillas pulled the youthful Filipinos to within four, 12-8, with 6:02 left in the race-to-21 match.

However, New Zealand responded with a 10-4 closing run to stun the Philippines. Medina led Gilas with six points while Cabonillas and Tyler both finished with two markers.

Gilas then faced Spain in the second game, but ran out of gas as well en route to a 21-15 loss with Cabonillas churning out six points and Tyler chipping in five markers laced with three rebounds.

Gilas Men will take on Egypt and Latvia on Thursday to revive their playoff hopes.

—JKC, GMA News

WUHAN (China) – Latvia men and Australia women stole the show on Day 2 of the FIBA 3×3 U23 World Cup 2026 at the Hongshan Riverfront Park, with both national teams finishing the day unbeaten. Latvia picked up wins over New Zealand and Egypt in Men’s Pool B, while Australia took down Japan and Kenya in Women’s Pool D. Mārtiņš Evarts Zviedris and Tayla Jean Brazel were among the day’s standout performers as the pool phase moved closer to its decisive stages.

Latvia make their move

Latvia produced a perfect Day 2 in Men’s Pool B, opening with a 21-16 victory over New Zealand before cruising past Egypt 21-9. Zviedris was at the heart of Latvia’s strong showing, scoring eight points and grabbing six rebounds against New Zealand as Latvia pulled away from a competitive contest. Latvia then finished the day in style against Egypt, with Dāvis Skreivers scoring nine points in the 21-9 victory. The two wins strengthened Latvia’s position in Pool B as the race for the Quarter-Finals begins to take shape.

Zviedris sets the tone

Zviedris was one of Latvia’s key performers throughout the day, particularly in the team’s opening clash against New Zealand. He finished with eight points and six rebounds in a 21-16 victory, helping Latvia establish control against a New Zealand side that had already opened its campaign with a win over the Philippines. With Latvia also claiming a convincing victory over Egypt later in the day, Zviedris and his teammates leave Day 2 with plenty of momentum as they look ahead to their final pool games on Day 4.

Australia keep rolling

Australia matched Latvia’s perfect Day 2 record in Women’s Pool D, defeating Japan 20-11 before beating Kenya 21-12. Tayla Jean Brazel delivered an impressive all-around performance in both games. She opened the day with eight points and 11 rebounds against Japan, helping Australia pull away for a comfortable nine-point victory. Brazel was again among Australia’s leading contributors against Kenya, scoring seven points while adding five rebounds and five highlights as Australia secured another statement win. The back-to-back victories put Australia in a strong position in Pool D as the team continue their push toward the knockout rounds.

Brazel makes her presence felt

Brazel’s impact went beyond her scoring numbers on Day 2. Against Japan, her rebounding helped Australia control the game as they moved to the nine-point victory. She followed that up with another productive display against Kenya, this time tallying a triple-five performance. With Australia going 2-0 on the day, Brazel played a central role in a pair of convincing victories. She helped her team build valuable momentum heading into the next stage of the competition.

Upsets add to the drama

Day 2 also produced several eye-catching results. Chinese Taipei stunned the Netherlands 14-13 in Women’s Pool B, handing the defending champions a narrow defeat. Kenya women also pulled off an upset against Slovenia, winning 18-15.

There was drama in Men’s Pool D as well, with the Republic of Korea defeating the United States 21-14. Lee Donggeun led Korea with eight points, including three two-pointers, as the Koreans produced one of the day’s biggest results.

Spain and Lithuania also enjoyed perfect days in the Men’s Tournament. Spain defeated Egypt 16-15 before beating the Philippines 21-15, while Lithuania edged the Republic of Korea 20-18 and then defeated China 22-16.

Canada, meanwhile, went 2-0 in Women’s Pool B after beating Czechia 19-15 and Poland 22-13, with Mary-Anna Abigale Serena Asare producing 18 points across the two victories.

What’s next?

Day 3 brings the conclusion of Pools A and C, with the first several teams set to secure their places in the Quarter-Finals as the knockout round picture begins to take shape in Wuhan.

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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WUHAN (China) – The next generation of 3×3 basketball stars is ready to take center stage in Wuhan, with 20 national teams set to battle for the FIBA 3×3 U23 World Cup 2026 men’s title. From a few FIBA 3×3 World Tour regulars to rising talents with international success already under their belts, these are eight players who could make a major impact.

Vuk Vukicevic (Serbia)

Few players in the field arrive with more high-level 3×3 basketball experience than Vukicevic. The Serbian is part of a Crvena Zvezda team that has competed extensively on the FIBA 3×3 World Tour 2026, including a fourth-place finish at WT Shanghai and a victory at the 3×3 PRO Cup Finals. He will also play with a chip on his shoulder as Serbia finished runners-up at last year’s U23 World Cup. Vukicevic was part of the Men’s Team of the Tournament, but he’d love nothing more than to finally get the gold in Wuhan.

Alex Fudge (USA)

Fudge is no stranger to the U23 stage. After helping the USA finish second at the FIBA 3×3 U23 World Cup 2024, he returned in 2025 as the Americans finished 11th. Now back for another campaign, the athletic forward will be one of the most experienced players on a USA team seeded 12th.

Seungwoo Kim (Republic of Korea)

Kim enters Wuhan in strong form after a busy summer. He was part of the Republic of Korea team that finished runner-up at the FIBA 3×3 Asia Cup 2026 and helped Team KOREA win the KBA 3×3 PRIME LEAGUE title in September. He also played a key role during Korea’s dominant run through the Youth Nations League, winning three of six stops in the Asia Central/East tournament.

Xianglong Liu (China)

The home crowd will have a player to rally behind in Liu. The Chinese guard arrives after a productive run of 3×3 basketball, including helping U23-1 win the Lite Quest Jingjiang and representing Beijing at the Beijing and Xi’an Challenger stops. With China seeded fourth, Liu will be one of the local players looking to make home advantage count.

Kajus Leliukas (Lithuania)

Leliukas has been one of Lithuania’s busiest young 3×3 basketball players in 2026. He helped Lithuania collect multiple Youth Nations League victories — winning three of six Europe 1 stops — before moving into the FIBA 3×3 World Tour, where he competed for Kaunas VDU and helped the team win the Swedbank 3×3 2026 IV – Tallinn + LITE QUEST event. Lithuania enter Wuhan as the fifth seed.

Te Tuhi Lewis (New Zealand)

Lewis brings international experience and a winning pedigree. He was part of New Zealand’s title-winning FIBA 3×3 Asia Cup 2026 campaign, even being named MVP. He subsequently helped the Tall Blacks compete at the FIBA 3×3 World Cup 2026, where they finished among the top 10. His recent Youth Nations League run also included two Asia SEA stop wins.

Sebastian Schwachhofer (Germany)

The top-seeded Germans have a strong young talent in Schwachhofer. The Baskets Bonn player has enjoyed a breakout 2026, helping his team win the Beijing Challenger while also collecting Youth Nations League success with Germany U21. Schwachhofer has also won international youth 3×3 basketball events before, helping Germany top the FIBA 3×3 U17 Europe Cup 2022 and FIBA 3×3 U18 World Cup 2023.

Martins Bumbieris (Latvia)

Bumbieris is part of a Latvia team seeded second, and his 2026 résumé offers plenty of reasons for optimism. He helped Latvia dominate the Europe-2 Youth Nations League, winning Stops 3, 4, 5 and 6, before returning to domestic 3×3 basketball action with Turība. He was also part of Latvia’s fifth-place team at the 2025 U23 World Cup.

With experience, momentum and plenty of ambition across the field, these eight players are ready for their chance to shine. In Wuhan, the next generation gets its stage, and another U23 World Cup champion is waiting to be crowned.

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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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.

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ANTWERP (Belgium) – Lithuania return to the FIBA 3×3 Europe Cup Crelan 2026 with a target firmly in sight and crosshairs squared on their backs. The reigning champions lifted the trophy in Copenhagen last year after recovering from an opening-game defeat to Austria to win four straight games, but their latest major tournament ended in a different fashion. Latvia knocked Lithuania out in the Quarter-Finals of the FIBA 3×3 World Cup 2026, setting up another chapter in a rivalry that will resume almost immediately in Antwerp.

Lithuania’s 2025 run underlined their ability to navigate the pressure of a short tournament. After the early setback, they responded with four consecutive victories to claim the European crown, with Ignas Vaitkus earning Men’s MVP honors. A year later, they return with the same objective, but with a different challenge in front of them.

The defending champions will have to do it without two members of last year’s title-winning squad, Aurelijus Pukelis and Marijus Uzupis. Paulius Sorokas, Evaldas Saulys, Evaldas Dziaugys and Vaitkus make up Lithuania’s roster for Antwerp, giving the team a rejigged combination to work with as they attempt to retain the crown.

Vaitkus remains the key link to last year’s success. The reigning Europe Cup MVP returns with experience of what it takes to win this competition, and his leadership will be particularly important as Lithuania adjust to their new-look lineup.

The draw, though, has given Lithuania little time to settle in. They are in Pool C alongside Latvia and Ireland, with the Latvia matchup carrying plenty of recent history. Lithuania defeated Latvia in the FIBA 3×3 Europe Cup 2025 Final, only for Latvia to gain revenge by eliminating them in the FIBA 3×3 World Cup 2026 Quarter-Finals. Now the two sides meet again, this time with a place in the Europe Cup knockout stage on the line.

The compact format leaves little room for mistakes. Lithuania will need to navigate both pool games effectively, with finishing second potentially setting up a Quarter-Final matchup against powerhouse Serbia. The route to the podium will be unforgiving from the outset.

For Lithuania, however, the objective extends beyond simply reaching the knockout rounds. A successful title defense would make another statement about their place among Europe’s leading men’s 3×3 basketball programs, while the 2026 champions will also qualify for the FIBA 3×3 World Cup 2027 and FIBA 3×3 Champions Cup 2027.

Copenhagen established Lithuania as Europe’s champions. Antwerp will test whether they can remain there. Can the defending champions turn their World Cup disappointment into another Europe Cup triumph?

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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ANTWERP (Belgium) – Europe’s best 3×3 basketball national teams are ready to battle for continental supremacy at Antwerp’s European Championship arena on Groenplaats, with Olympic champions, World Cup winners and some of the biggest stars from the FIBA 3×3 basketball World Tour all set to take center stage.

With the FIBA 3×3 Europe Cup 2026 tipping off on September 11, the stage is set for three days of high-intensity action, where every possession could make the difference.

Before the race for gold begins, here are the players who could define the men’s competition in Antwerp.

Strahinja Stojacic (Serbia)

The world’s No.1 player leads a Serbian team loaded with experience and star power. Of course, Stojacic has established himself as one of the defining figures of modern 3×3 basketball, combining scoring, playmaking and athleticism to make him one of the toughest halfcourt matchups on the planet. With Serbia seeking their first Europe Cup title since 2023, “Doctor Strange” will be central to their ambitions.

Worthy de Jong (Netherlands)

Few players bring more big-stage experience and presence to Antwerp than de Jong. The Paris 2024 Olympic champion remains one of the most recognizable stars in 3×3 basketball and combines creativity, explosiveness and scoring ability with a wealth of international experience. With the Netherlands looking to make a run at their first men’s title, expect de Jong to be at the heart of their challenge.

Ignas Vaitkus (Lithuania)

The defending champions return to Antwerp looking to retain their continental crown, and last year’s MVP is expected to once again lead the charge. It goes without saying that Vaitkus will be central to Lithuania’s title defense. They do face a tough Pool D featuring Latvia and upstarts Ireland, setting up an immediate test for the reigning European champions.

Hugo Suhard (France)

France bring plenty of experience to Antwerp, with Suhard set to provide perimeter shooting, leadership and playmaking for a team still looking for their first men’s European title. The French face red-hot Germany in Pool D, renewing a rivalry intensified by the Germans’ victory over France in the FIBA 3×3 World Cup 2026 Semi-Finals.

Fabian Giessmann (Germany)

Speaking of Germany, their rise has been one of the most intriguing stories in European 3×3 basketball, and Giessmann is the biggest name representing the new generation driving that progress. The versatile big man combines size, athleticism and two-way ability and will be key against a French team with plenty of experience.

Karlis Lasmanis (Latvia)

One of the most decorated players in 3×3 basketball history, Lasmanis brings Olympic, World Cup and of course, European-winning pedigree to Antwerp. As such, he has, of course, completed the discipline’s coveted “triple crown.” He has not enjoyed much success on the World Tour with pro team Shanghai (CHN), but he’s hoping his fortunes changer here. Latvia’s Pool C clash with defending champions Lithuania promises to be one of the tournament’s marquee matchups.

Diego De Blas (Spain)

Spain arrive looking to bounce back at the FIBA 3×3 Europe Cup after being unable to defend their FIBA 3×3 World Cup title in Warsaw earlier this year. De Blas represents their youth movement and is part of a talented Spanish roster facing Olympic champions Netherlands, setting up one of the most anticipated games of the opening day.

Dennis Donkor (Belgium)

The home crowd will have plenty to cheer for with Donkor leading Belgium’s charge in Antwerp. A familiar face on the World Tour, the Belgian star brings streaky shooting, defensive intensity and attacking ability to a team chasing their first Europe Cup title. His battle with Stojacic in Pool A could add another chapter to a rivalry forged on the professional circuit.

The stage is set. With defending champions, World Cup winners, Olympic champions and rising powers all converging on Antwerp, the action should be intense and margins razor-thin. These eight players will have a major role to play as Europe’s best battle for the continent’s foremost 3×3 basketball crown.

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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