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) – The road to continental 3×3 basketball glory starts with a pecking order, but the FIBA 3×3 Europe Cup has a habit of tearing up predictions. Germany lead the men’s Power Rankings heading into Antwerp, with Serbia, Latvia and the Netherlands close behind. Here’s how the 12 teams stack up before the action begins.

1. Germany

Germany take the No.1 spot after emerging as one of Europe’s most dangerous sides. Their blend of size, versatility and two-way intensity makes them a tough matchup. Of course, that’s embodied by no other than Fabian Giessmann. After beating France at the FIBA 3×3 World Cup 2026 Semi-Finals and just falling short in the Final against Latvia, the Germans arrive in Antwerp with genuine title credentials.

2. Serbia

Few teams can match Serbia’s individual firepower, with world No.1 Strahinja Stojačić leading the charge. Of course, they will also have some of the biggest names from the FIBA 3×3 World Tour like Filip Kaluđerović and Nenad Nerandžić of Ub alongside Dorde Simeunovic of Liman. As such, this squad has the experience and pedigree to thrive when games tighten up. If their stars find rhythm early, Serbia can quickly turn the rankings into reality.

3. Latvia

The reigning FIBA 3×3 World Cup champions remain one of the safest picks, especially with the ‘Batman and Robin’ duo of Karlis Lasmanis and Nauris Miezis leading the way. Latvia’s explosiveness and big-game experience make them dangerous in any knockout matchup. They would also love to finish the job after losing in last year’s Europe Cup Final to Lithuania.

4. Netherlands

Olympic champions Netherlands sit fourth, but that ranking hardly tells the whole story. Worthy de Jong brings championship pedigree and elite scoring ability as the Dutch chase a first men’s Europe Cup crown. Having Utrecht’s Nesta Agasi will also be quite interesting. If he meshes well with de Jong & Co., the Dutch could go very far. Their pool play matchup with Spain will set the tone.

5. France

France have consistently been among Europe’s elite and will be hungry after falling to Germany at the World Cup. Not having Franck Seguela is a genuine curiosity, but Hugo Suhard and Paul Djoko give them veteran leadership, playmaking and shooting under pressure. They also carry extra motivation as they chase a first men’s Europe Cup title.

6. Belgium

The hosts land at No.6, but home-court energy could make them a major threat. Dennis Donkor and Jonas Foerts lead a Belgian side capable of feeding off the Antwerp crowd. Put Thibaut ‘Must-see TV’ Vervoort in the mix, and they have guys who can catch fire in the blink of an eye. Belgium’s pool play clash with Serbia is one of the event’s must-see matchups.

7. Lithuania

Defending champions Lithuania may be seventh, but that also makes them the ultimate ranking upset candidate. Ignas Vaitkus returns as the reigning Europe Cup MVP, giving them a proven continental closer. Never count out a team that already knows what it takes to win.

8. Spain

Spain do note enter as the reigning World Cup champions after losing the title in Warsaw earier this year. Still, they find themselves eighth in the Power Rankings. That makes them one of the most intriguing teams in the field. Iván Aurrecoechea will be immovable under the basket, while Diego De Blas’ versatility will be all-important. Their opening pool battle with Olympic champions Netherlands should be a statement game.

9. Switzerland

Switzerland may not have the same trophy cabinet as the teams above them, but they have earned their place among Europe’s best, especially after sweeping the Kosice Qualifier. Their disciplined approach can make them very dangerous opponents. A strong start against Lithuania and Latvia would instantly change the conversation.

10. Italy

Italy occupy the No.10 spot and arrive with everything to gain. Their pool alongside Netherlands and Spain gives them opportunities to make an early statement, or an early exit. If the Italians disrupt the established order, they could become one of Antwerp’s surprise stories.

11. Estonia

Estonia sit just outside the top 10, but the gap can disappear quickly in 3×3 basketball. After all, this team swept all their games at the Bucharest Qualifier. Overlook them at your own risk. That said, Estonia will need to embrace the pace and physicality from the opening possession. A pool upset would put them firmly on the map.

12. Ireland

Ireland round out the rankings after topping the Pristina Qualifier. However, that position comes with zero margin for hesitation. Their pool features Lithuania and Latvia, the protagonists from last year’s Europe Cup Final. With nothing to lose, Ireland can play the spoiler and make life difficult for the favorites.

The rankings may point to Germany, Serbia and Latvia at the front, but Antwerp will decide what matters. With Olympic, World Cup and Europe Cup champions alongside legitimate challengers and new faces across the field, expect the order to change once the first check ball is made.

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