SINGAPORE – Tonga (women) made history while the Philippines (men) delivered a clutch upset on Day 2 of the FIBA 3×3 Asia Cup 2026, as the Qualifying Draw concluded in emphatic fashion.

They were joined by Malaysia (women) and Korea (men), who also secured their spots in the Main Draw after strong performances at The Kallang.

Tonga women make history

Tonga produced one of the defining moments of Day 2, advancing to the Main Draw for the first time in their history.

They opened with a 13-4 win over Maldives in a controlled, low-scoring contest before stepping up offensively in a 15-7 victory over Macau to seal qualification.

With disciplined defense and scoring, Tonga finished unbeaten and secured a landmark breakthrough for the program. They join Australia and Philippines in Women’s Pool D.

Philippines men deliver when it counts

The Philippines saved their best for last.

After opening Day 2 with a 21-16 win over Maldives, they faced a decisive showdown against Thailand, and they Filipinos delivered under pressure.

Led by Raphael Cu, the Philippines stormed to a strong start, building a 14-6 lead midway behind hot shooting. Thailand responded with a late push, cutting the deficit to 15-13 with under two minutes remaining.

But the Philippines held firm.

They closed out a 17-15 victory, surviving a final possession as Thailand missed a potential game-tying two-pointer. The result sealed their place in the Main Draw. The Philippines now advance to Men’s Pool A, where they will face Mongolia and Chinese Taipei.

Malaysia women in control

Malaysia also impressed, going 2-0 to top their Qualifying Draw group and advance.

Leading the charge was Foo Suet Ying, who scored 15 total points across two games, including a 9-point performance against India. She knocked down six two-pointers, providing consistent scoring throughout the day.

Malaysia held off India 16-13 before pulling away late in a 21-9 win over Turkmenistan.

They advance to Women’s Pool B, where they will face Mongolia and New Zealand.

Korea men impress

Korea were among the standout teams of the day, delivering two dominant wins to secure their place in the Main Draw.

Leading the way was Lee DongGeun, who was a high-flying scoring machine across two games.

Korea dismantled Vietnam 21-7 before following it up with a 21-11 win over Tonga, completing a perfect run. Korea join Japan and Singapore in Men’s Pool C.

What’s next

With the Qualifying Draw now complete, the final Main Draw spots have been secured.

Tonga (women), Malaysia (women), Philippines (men) and Korea (men) join the field as the tournament enters its next phase.

The Main Draw tips off on Day 3, with Asia and Oceania’s top seeds entering the competition.

With the field now complete and stakes rising, the race for the Asia Cup title begins in earnest in Singapore.

FIBA

NOUMEA, SUD (New Caledonia) – Tonga has created a defining moment in Oceania 3×3 basketball, winning both the men’s and women’s titles at the FIBA 3×3 Nations League 2026 – Pacific and qualifying two national teams for the FIBA 3×3 U23 World Cup for the first time in the country’s history.

The women were flawless across the entire campaign, not dropping a single game, while the men sealed their overall victory with only two losses on the final day in a gritty, high‑stakes finish that underlined their growth and composure.

This achievement continues Tonga’s rapid rise in the 3×3 format, following their strong performances at recent FIBA 3×3 Asia Cup in Singapore. Earlier this year, the women’s team made history by advancing through to the main draw for the first time, a breakthrough that signalled their readiness to compete at a higher level and set the tone for their dominant Youth Nations League run.

Their momentum now carries into next month, where the Tonga women will represent the nation at the Commonwealth Games, marking another major milestone in the program’s evolution and visibility on the international stage.

“We’re proud of what our teams have been able to do across the campaign, especially to come away with both qualifying for the U23 World Cup, Tonga Basketball High Performance Director, Cahn Fitzgerald said. “But just as important is recognising the level of competition we faced. Every team brought intensity, physicality, and heart, which reflects the rapid growth of 3×3 across the Blue Pacific.

“We had to earn everything. Nothing came easy, and that’s what makes this result meaningful for us. The players were the embodiment of the Tonga Basketball creed: Tonga Mo’ui Li’oa (Life of Sacrifice; Always). They worked for this win – for each other, for their families, and most importantly, for the Kingdom of Tonga.”

With both teams now bound for the FIBA 3×3 U23 World Cup in China later this year, Tonga will take its place on one of the sport’s most important youth stages, carrying the confidence of a historic campaign and the belief that they belong among the world’s rising 3×3 nations.

Their qualification also contributes valuable points to the FIBA 3×3 Federation Ranking, a system that directly influences Olympic pathways. But the impact extends beyond Tonga. Every federation that competed in this year’s Youth Nations League, including Fiji, New Caledonia, and Solomon Islands, added meaningful ranking points that strengthen the regions collective position ahead of Los Angeles 2028.

The accumulation of points across multiple nations is critical for the region’s long‑term competitiveness, ensuring more Oceania teams remain in contention for future World Cups, Asia Cups, and ultimately Olympic qualification.

FIBA Executive Director – Oceania, Amanda Jenkins, said the progress across the region is the result of sustained commitment and opportunity.

“This year’s FIBA 3×3 Nations League – Pacific showed just how far Oceania National Federations have come in a short time. Every team contributed to the region’s ranking, every game mattered, and the level of play continues to rise.

This year’s event closed with clear signs of progress, highlighted by Tonga’s historic sweep and the steady improvement shown by every federation throughout the series.

With qualification now secured and the next phase of international events approaching, teams shift their focus to the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, the FIBA 3×3 U23 World Cup and the wider 3×3 calendar, carrying valuable ranking points and meaningful competitive experience into the months ahead.

NOUMEA, SUD (New Caledonia) – Tonga has created a defining moment in Oceania 3×3 basketball, winning both the men’s and women’s titles at the FIBA 3×3 Nations League 2026 – Pacific and qualifying two national teams for the FIBA 3×3 U23 World Cup for the first time in the country’s history.

The women were flawless across the entire campaign, not dropping a single game, while the men sealed their overall victory with only two losses on the final day in a gritty, high‑stakes finish that underlined their growth and composure.

This achievement continues Tonga’s rapid rise in the 3×3 format, following their strong performances at recent FIBA 3×3 Asia Cup in Singapore. Earlier this year, the women’s team made history by advancing through to the main draw for the first time, a breakthrough that signalled their readiness to compete at a higher level and set the tone for their dominant Youth Nations League run.

Their momentum now carries into next month, where the Tonga women will represent the nation at the Commonwealth Games, marking another major milestone in the program’s evolution and visibility on the international stage.

“We’re proud of what our teams have been able to do across the campaign, especially to come away with both qualifying for the U23 World Cup, Tonga Basketball High Performance Director, Cahn Fitzgerald said. “But just as important is recognising the level of competition we faced. Every team brought intensity, physicality, and heart, which reflects the rapid growth of 3×3 across the Blue Pacific.

“We had to earn everything. Nothing came easy, and that’s what makes this result meaningful for us. The players were the embodiment of the Tonga Basketball creed: Tonga Mo’ui Li’oa (Life of Sacrifice; Always). They worked for this win – for each other, for their families, and most importantly, for the Kingdom of Tonga.”

With both teams now bound for the FIBA 3×3 U23 World Cup in China later this year, Tonga will take its place on one of the sport’s most important youth stages, carrying the confidence of a historic campaign and the belief that they belong among the world’s rising 3×3 nations.

Their qualification also contributes valuable points to the FIBA 3×3 Federation Ranking, a system that directly influences Olympic pathways. But the impact extends beyond Tonga. Every federation that competed in this year’s Youth Nations League, including Fiji, New Caledonia, and Solomon Islands, added meaningful ranking points that strengthen the regions collective position ahead of Los Angeles 2028.

The accumulation of points across multiple nations is critical for the region’s long‑term competitiveness, ensuring more Oceania teams remain in contention for future World Cups, Asia Cups, and ultimately Olympic qualification.

FIBA Executive Director – Oceania, Amanda Jenkins, said the progress across the region is the result of sustained commitment and opportunity.

“This year’s FIBA 3×3 Nations League – Pacific showed just how far Oceania National Federations have come in a short time. Every team contributed to the region’s ranking, every game mattered, and the level of play continues to rise.

This year’s event closed with clear signs of progress, highlighted by Tonga’s historic sweep and the steady improvement shown by every federation throughout the series.

With qualification now secured and the next phase of international events approaching, teams shift their focus to the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, the FIBA 3×3 U23 World Cup and the wider 3×3 calendar, carrying valuable ranking points and meaningful competitive experience into the months ahead.

NOUMEA, SUD (New Caledonia) – Tonga has created a defining moment in Oceania 3×3 basketball, winning both the men’s and women’s titles at the FIBA 3×3 Nations League 2026 – Pacific and qualifying two national teams for the FIBA 3×3 U23 World Cup for the first time in the country’s history.

The women were flawless across the entire campaign, not dropping a single game, while the men sealed their overall victory with only two losses on the final day in a gritty, high‑stakes finish that underlined their growth and composure.

This achievement continues Tonga’s rapid rise in the 3×3 format, following their strong performances at recent FIBA 3×3 Asia Cup in Singapore. Earlier this year, the women’s team made history by advancing through to the main draw for the first time, a breakthrough that signalled their readiness to compete at a higher level and set the tone for their dominant Youth Nations League run.

Their momentum now carries into next month, where the Tonga women will represent the nation at the Commonwealth Games, marking another major milestone in the program’s evolution and visibility on the international stage.

“We’re proud of what our teams have been able to do across the campaign, especially to come away with both qualifying for the U23 World Cup, Tonga Basketball High Performance Director, Cahn Fitzgerald said. “But just as important is recognising the level of competition we faced. Every team brought intensity, physicality, and heart, which reflects the rapid growth of 3×3 across the Blue Pacific.

“We had to earn everything. Nothing came easy, and that’s what makes this result meaningful for us. The players were the embodiment of the Tonga Basketball creed: Tonga Mo’ui Li’oa (Life of Sacrifice; Always). They worked for this win – for each other, for their families, and most importantly, for the Kingdom of Tonga.”

With both teams now bound for the FIBA 3×3 U23 World Cup in China later this year, Tonga will take its place on one of the sport’s most important youth stages, carrying the confidence of a historic campaign and the belief that they belong among the world’s rising 3×3 nations.

Their qualification also contributes valuable points to the FIBA 3×3 Federation Ranking, a system that directly influences Olympic pathways. But the impact extends beyond Tonga. Every federation that competed in this year’s Youth Nations League, including Fiji, New Caledonia, and Solomon Islands, added meaningful ranking points that strengthen the regions collective position ahead of Los Angeles 2028.

The accumulation of points across multiple nations is critical for the region’s long‑term competitiveness, ensuring more Oceania teams remain in contention for future World Cups, Asia Cups, and ultimately Olympic qualification.

FIBA Executive Director – Oceania, Amanda Jenkins, said the progress across the region is the result of sustained commitment and opportunity.

“This year’s FIBA 3×3 Nations League – Pacific showed just how far Oceania National Federations have come in a short time. Every team contributed to the region’s ranking, every game mattered, and the level of play continues to rise.

This year’s event closed with clear signs of progress, highlighted by Tonga’s historic sweep and the steady improvement shown by every federation throughout the series.

With qualification now secured and the next phase of international events approaching, teams shift their focus to the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, the FIBA 3×3 U23 World Cup and the wider 3×3 calendar, carrying valuable ranking points and meaningful competitive experience into the months ahead.