WUHAN (China) – The next generation of 3×3 basketball stars is ready to take center stage, and fans can watch the FIBA 3×3 U23 World Cup 2026 live on the official FIBA 3×3 YouTube channel with a membership.

The seventh edition of the U23 World Cup brings together 20 men’s and 20 women’s national basketball teams in Wuhan from September 15-19, with five days of high-intensity 3×3 basketball on the way.

For fans who want to follow the action live, YouTube membership provides access to the games as they happen.

Watch live on FIBA 3×3 YouTube

Become a FIBA 3×3 YouTube member

Once each competition day is over, the recorded games will become available to everyone on the official FIBA 3×3 YouTube channel, giving fans another opportunity to catch the action and relive the biggest moments from Wuhan.

With defending champions Lithuania returning on the men’s side and Netherlands looking to repeat on the women’s side, alongside hosts China and emerging talents from around the world, there will be plenty to watch throughout the tournament.

Broadcast Partners

*CCTV coverage starts from the quarter-finals on CCTV5.

Don’t miss the next generation. Become a FIBA 3×3 YouTube member and watch the U23 World Cup live.

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

WUHAN (China) – The stage is set for the next generation of 3×3 basketball stars as the pools for the FIBA 3×3 U23 World Cup 2026 have been confirmed ahead of the tournament in Wuhan, China from September 15-19.

The seventh edition of the U23 World Cup will bring together 40 national teams — 20 in the men’s tournament and 20 in the women’s — for five days of high-intensity action. With the world’s best young 3×3 basketball players competing for global glory, the competition represents another major step on the pathway toward the senior international and professional 3×3 basketball game.

Men

Defending champions Lithuania headline a stacked men’s field and will look to retain their crown against some of the world’s strongest emerging 3×3 basketball nations.

Pool A features top-seeded Germany, alongside Netherlands, last year’s runners-up Serbia, Kazakhstan and Tonga, setting up an intriguing mix of traditional European contenders and challengers from Central Asia and Oceania.

Hosts China face a formidable challenge in Pool D, where they will meet defending champions Lithuania, United States and Argentina, as well as continental rivals Republic of Korea. The group brings together four continents and several nations with strong ambitions of making a deep run in Wuhan.

The other pools offer plenty of intrigue, with Latvia and New Zealand leading Pool B, while France and Australia join Algeria, Poland and Kenya in Pool C.

Pool A: Germany, Netherlands, Serbia, Kazakhstan, Tonga

Pool B: Latvia, New Zealand, Spain, Egypt, Philippines

Pool C: Algeria, France, Poland, Kenya, Australia

Pool D: China, Lithuania, United States, Argentina, Republic of Korea

Women

The women’s competition is headlined by defending champions Netherlands, who return to the FIBA 3×3 U23 World Cup looking to add another title to their collection.

Pool A brings together hosts China, last year’s runners-up France, Italy, Egypt and the Philippines, giving the home side a challenging opening path in front of their home fans.

Pool B promises one of the most competitive groups, with top-seeded Netherlands joined by Czechia, Poland, Chinese Taipei and Canada. Meanwhile, Pool D features another heavyweight lineup, with United States and Japan joined by Kenya, Slovenia and Australia.

Last year’s third-place team, Spain, lead Pool C, which also have African sides Uganda and Madagascar alongside Latvia and Tonga.

Pool A: China, France, Italy, Egypt, Philippines

Pool B: Netherlands, Czechia, Poland, Chinese Taipei, Canada

Pool C: Spain, Latvia, Uganda, Tonga, Madagascar

Pool D: United States, Japan, Kenya, Slovenia, Australia

With four pools of five teams in each competition, the FIBA 3×3 U23 World Cup 2026 will showcase the depth and diversity of young 3×3 basketball talent from around the globe. The pool phase will set the stage for the knockout rounds, where the pressure will rise and the next FIBA 3×3 U23 World Cup champions will be crowned.

Wuhan now prepares to welcome the future stars of 3×3 basketball, with national pride, global recognition and a world title on the line.

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

WUHAN (China) – The future of 3×3 basketball takes center stage in Wuhan as the world’s best young talents gather for the FIBA 3×3 U23 World Cup 2026 from September 15-19. Forty national teams — 20 men’s and 20 women’s — will battle across five days for global glory, with defending champions, rising contenders and the next generation of 3×3 basketball stars all ready to make their mark.

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

Where is the event?

The FIBA 3×3 U23 World Cup 2026 heads to Hongshan Riverfront Park on Wujindi Avenue in Hongshan District, Wuhan, China.

The city provides an exciting backdrop for the seventh edition of the U23 World Cup, bringing the fast-paced energy of 3×3 basketball to one of China’s major urban centers.

When is it?

The tournament runs from September 15-19.

Tuesday, September 15 – Pool Games
Wednesday, September 16 – Pool Games
Thursday, September 17 – Pool Games
Friday, September 18 – Pool Games
Saturday, September 19 – Knockout Games & Finals

Five days. Forty national teams. One world title in each category.

Who are the teams?

The tournament features 20 men’s and 20 women’s national teams, bringing together young talent from across all five continents.

Men

Germany, Latvia, Algeria, China, Lithuania, France, New Zealand, Netherlands, Spain, United States, Serbia, Poland, Argentina, Egypt, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Tonga, Philippines, Republic of Korea and Australia.

Women

China, Netherlands, Spain, United States, Japan, Latvia, Czechia, France, Italy, Poland, Uganda, Kenya, Tonga, Slovenia, Egypt, Chinese Taipei, Canada, Madagascar and Australia.

The field features a mix of established 3×3 basketball nations and emerging programs, creating another global showcase for the depth of young talent in the discipline.

Pools

Men

Pool A: Germany, Netherlands, Serbia, Kazakhstan, Tonga
Pool B: Latvia, New Zealand, Spain, Egypt, Philippines
Pool C: Algeria, France, Poland, Kenya, Australia
Pool D: China, Lithuania, United States, Argentina, Republic of Korea

Defending champions Lithuania face a stern test in Pool D alongside hosts China, the USA, Argentina and Republic of Korea. Pool A also has plenty of intrigue, with top-seeded Germany joined by 2025 runners-up Serbia and the Netherlands.

Women

Pool A: China, France, Italy, Egypt, Philippines
Pool B: Netherlands, Czechia, Poland, Chinese Taipei, Canada
Pool C: Spain, Latvia, Uganda, Tonga, Madagascar
Pool D: United States, Japan, Kenya, Slovenia, Australia

Top seeds China have home advantage in Pool A, while defending champions Netherlands lead a competitive Pool B. Pool D also promises fireworks, with USA and Japan among the teams set to battle for qualification.

How does the competition work?

The men’s and women’s competitions follow the same format.

Each category features 20 teams split into four pools of five. Teams play a round-robin pool phase before the competition moves into the knockout rounds. The top two teams in each pool will qualify to the Quarter-Finals, where the winners move on to the Semi-Finals. The two Semi-Finals winners will play for the title in the Final. The losing Semi-Finals teams will play for third-place.

Who won last year?

Lithuania captured the U23 World Cup men’s title in 2025, defeating Serbia in the Final, while Netherlands claimed U23 World Cup women’s gold after beating France.

Lithuania return to Wuhan looking to defend their crown, while the Netherlands will attempt to repeat their success on the women’s side.

Which players should you watch?

There is no shortage of rising stars in Wuhan.

On the men’s side, Vuk Vukićević (Serbia) brings significant FIBA 3×3 World Tour experience, while Te Tuhi Lewis (New Zealand) arrives after helping New Zealand win the FIBA 3×3 Asia Cup 2026. Sebastian Schwachhofer (Germany) is another name to watch after a strong 2026 that included a Beijing Challenger title.

Mārtiņš Bumbieris (Latvia) and Kajus Leliukas (Lithuania) also bring impressive Youth Nations League résumés, while home favorite Liu Xianglong (China) will look to make an impact in front of the Wuhan crowd.

On the women’s side, Lotte van Kruistum (Netherlands) returns as part of the reigning champions after winning the U23 World Cup in 2025. Li Ruoying (China) brings FIBA 3×3 Women’s Series experience into the home team, while Yurin Yamamoto (Japan) has also enjoyed a strong 2026 campaign.

Katie Fiso (USA), Elena Moreno (Spain), Adelīna Urtāne (Latvia), Mia Žekš (Slovenia) and Jesika Hibalová (Czechia) round out a group of players ready to take another step on the international stage.

See the full Men’s Players to Watch and Women’s Players to Watch lists.

Why does Wuhan matter?

Wuhan is more than just the setting for another major 3×3 basketball event. China has become an important part of the 3×3 basketball landscape, with the country hosting the U23 World Cup for the second consecutive year after Xiong’an staged the 2025 edition. In total, this is the fourth time for China to host the U23 World Cup after also hosting in 2019 (Lanzhou) and 2018 (Xi’an). Wuhan now gets its turn to showcase the sport to a global audience.

The U23 World Cup is also an important part of the pathway toward the senior game. Previous editions have helped introduce young players who have gone on to compete on the FIBA 3×3 World Tour, Women’s Series, World Cup and Olympic stage.

Now, a new generation gets its opportunity.

How can you follow?

Fans around the world can follow the FIBA 3×3 U23 World Cup 2026 through the official FIBA 3×3 YouTube channel, with coverage also available via the Olympic Channel, Unbeaten and a variety of global broadcast partners.

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

Official hashtag: #3x3U23

Wuhan is ready. Forty teams are ready. The next generation of 3×3 basketball stars now has five days to write the next chapter of U23 World Cup history.

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

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – Oregon guard Katie Fiso has been selected to the 2026 USA 3×3 Women’s U23 National Team that will compete at the 2026 FIBA 3×3 U23 World Cup from Sept. 15-19 in Wuhan, China.

Fiso will join three other Division I athletes in McKinna Brackens from Arizona State, Dani Carnegie from Georgia and Tori McKinney from Minnesota. The quartet won the 2026 FIBA 3×3 Nations League Americas North Conference in Ñuñoa, Chile in July and will reunite under head coach Todd Monsey.

In May, Fiso participated in USA Basketball’s 3×3 Developmental camp in Phoenix and the subsequent USA Basketball 3X Showcase in Mesa, Arizona. Fiso and teammates Carnegie and McKinney took home the 3X Showcase title. Fiso was also part of USA’s gold-medal winning team at the 2022 FIBA 3×3 U18 Women’s World Cup.

Fiso is coming off a breakout sophomore campaign in which she led the Ducks with 15.5 points and 6.2 assists per game, earning her second-team all-Big Ten honors. The Seattle product handed out 222 assists last season, the fourth-highest total in a single season in UO history. She produced a Big Ten-best seven points-assists double-doubles.

The USA women will begin play in Pool D on Sept. 16 against Japan at 12:50 a.m. PT, followed by a matchup with Kenya at 5:50 a.m. PT. Pool play will continue Sept. 18 against Slovenia at 2:30 a.m. PT and Australia at 5:25 a.m. PT.

The top two teams from each of the four five-team pools will move on to the quarterfinals on Sept. 19.

Brett Taylor joined the KEZI 9 News team as a sports anchor and reporter in June of 2023. If you have a story idea, you can email Brett at btaylor@kezi.com.

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.

FIBA

WUHAN (China) – The next generation of women’s 3×3 basketball is ready to bask under the spotlight at the the Hongshan Riverfront Park in Wuhan, with the world’s best young teams set to battle for the FIBA 3×3 U23 World Cup 2026 title. From established youth talents to players already making an impact on the FIBA 3×3 Women’s Series, these are eight names who could make a major difference.

Yurin Yamamoto (Japan)

Yamamoto arrives with plenty of recent high-level experience. She has been part of Mitsubishi Electric’s FIBA 3×3 Women’s Series campaign throughout 2026, including runner-up finishes in WS Bangkok and WS Tokyo and a third-place result in WS Jinan. Japan are seeded fifth, giving Yamamoto and her teammates a strong platform to make a deep run.

Jesika Hibalova (Czechia)

Hibalova has been a key part of Czechia’s strong Youth Nations League campaign. Czechia won Stops 1 and 2 before adding a runner-up finish at Stop 3, while Hibalova also featured at the FIBA 3×3 U23 World Cup 2025, where Czechia finished sixth. The seventh seeds will be looking for another big performance from her in Wuhan.

Mia Zeks (Slovenia)

Zeks brings both youth and senior 3×3 basketball experience to Slovenia. She helped Slovenia win Youth Nations League Stop 1 in 2026 and followed that with a runner-up finish at Stop 5. She also competed at WS Baku, where Slovenia finished fourth. With Slovenia seeded 13th, Zeks will be central to their challenge.

Adelina Urtane (Latvia)

Urtane was part of a Latvia side that made an immediate statement in the Youth Nations League, winning the first four Europe-2 stops before adding second- and third-place finishes in Stops 5 and 6. She has also gained Women’s Series experience with Riga. Latvia are seeded sixth and will be hoping that momentum carries into Wuhan.

Li Ruoying (China)

The home team has one of the most intriguing players in Li Ruoying. Li has spent much of 2026 competing on the Women’s Series with Beijing, including a fourth-place finish in Singapore and sixth place at the Project Redwings Shanghai Final, where she was also named Young Talent’s Laura Awardee as the best U25 player of the tournament. As the No.1 seed, China will have expectations on home soil, and Li will be one to watch.

Lotte van Kruistum (Netherlands)

Van Kruistum arrives with a résumé built for the biggest stage. She was part of the Netherlands’ title-winning teams in the FIBA 3×3 U23 World Cup 2025 and Europe Cup 2025. Van Kruistum has continued to compete at the highest level, helping the Dutch win multiple Women’s Series stops in 2026. With the Netherlands seeded second and focused on their title defense, she will be among the most accomplished figures on the half-court.

Elena Moreno (Spain)

Moreno returns to the U23 World Cup after helping Spain finish third in 2025. She has also enjoyed success in 2026, representing Spain at the Mediterranean Games and winning gold, while Spain’s Youth Nations League team captured Europe-4 Stops 4 and 5. The third seeds will expect Moreno’s experience to translate into another deep run.

Katie Fiso (USA)

Fiso enters Wuhan with momentum after a dominant Youth Nations League campaign. She helped USA win Stops 1, 2 and 4 in the Americas North conference, while also finishing third at Stop 5 and first again at Stop 6. With her prior experience leading USA to the title at FIBA 3×3 U18 World Cup 2023, Fiso will be one of the players carrying high expectations for a team aiming to retake their place at the top of of the FIBA 3×3 U23 World Cup Women’s podium.

The stage is set in Wuhan. With top seeds, defending champions and rising talents all converging on the half-court, these eight players should have a major say in who lifts the champions’ banner.

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

WUHAN (China) – The FIBA 3×3 U23 World Cup 2026 tips off in Wuhan from September 15-19, bringing together the world’s top young men’s and women’s 3×3 basketball national teams for five days of high-level action.

Fans around the world will be able to follow every crossover, clutch shot and highlight through an international network of broadcast partners, with coverage spanning Europe, Asia, Africa, North America and the Pacific, as well as worldwide streaming platforms.

Here’s where you can watch the action live.

Broadcast Partners

*CCTV coverage starts from the quarter-finals on CCTV5.

In addition to the broadcast partners listed above, fans can follow the action worldwide through the official FIBA 3×3 YouTube channel, with live streaming available throughout the tournament.

The FIBA 3×3 U23 World Cup 2026 serves as the premier global stage for the next generation of 3×3 basketball talent, with 20 men’s and 20 women’s national teams competing in Wuhan. The tournament is played across five days, with the pool phase followed by knockout phase action.

With 2025 champions Lithuania in the men’s competition and Netherlands in the women’s competition returning to defend their titles, alongside hosts China and a field featuring emerging talent from across the globe, Wuhan is set for a major showcase of the future of 3×3 basketball.

Stay tuned to the FIBA 3×3 U23 World Cup 2026 official website and follow @FIBA3x3 on social media for full schedules, results, highlights and exclusive coverage throughout the event.

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