BANGKOK (Thailand) – Canada in the women’s tournament and the Netherlands in the men’s competition emerged as the standout teams after an action-packed opening day at the FIBA 3x3 Sponsor | Red Bull Champions Cup 2026 at centralwOrld Square.
Both teams finished Day 1 with perfect 2-0 records, putting themselves in strong position ahead of the decisive pool games on Day 2.
Several other contenders also made early statements as many of the world’s top national teams battled through the first round of pool play in Bangkok.
Men
Netherlands roll past USA and Australia
The Netherlands were the most impressive team in Pool B, opening their campaign with a convincing 20-15 win over the United States.
The Dutch dominated early thanks to their trademark ball movement and experience, racing to an 11-2 lead before holding off a late push from the Americans. Adriaan Van Tilborg led the scoring with 8 points.
They followed it up with another strong performance against Australia, pulling away late for a 21-15 victory. With the game tightening midway, the Netherlands found another gear before Worthy De Jong sealed the win at the line, completing a perfect opening day.
At 2-0, the Dutch now sit in control of Pool B.
Serbia start title defense in style
Defending champions Serbia wasted little time showing their pedigree, defeating hosts Thailand 21-8.
Thailand showed flashes early, but Serbia’s composure and shot-making quickly took control of the game. Filip Kaluđerović led all scorers with 9 points as Serbia finished the game with 4:10 remaining.
Women
Canada remain perfect
Defending champions Canada looked strong in their opening two games, finishing the day 2-0. They began with a 16-10 win over Azerbaijan, with Saicha Grant-Allen leading the way with 6 points. The Canadians gradually created separation after a tight start before closing out the game comfortably.
Canada then delivered one of the most impressive performances of the day, defeating Spain 21-14 in a high-level showdown between two contenders.
Spain started quickly behind Sandra Ygueravide, but Canada responded with a decisive run late in the game. Grant-Allen dominated inside with 9 points, sealing the win as Canada surged ahead in the closing minutes.
Dominant USA
The United States closed the day with the most dominant performance of the women’s tournament so far, routing Madagascar 21-5 in Pool A. After a quick 6-1 start, the Americans steadily widened the gap with their size and depth proving overwhelming. Shakira Austin controlled the paint while the USA offense continued to build momentum, extending the lead to 18-4 with under four minutes remaining. Veronica Burton put the finishing touch on the victory with a two-pointer, sealing the most lopsided win of Day 1 as the United States women announce their intentions in convincing fashion.
What's Next
Pool play continues on Day 2, where the remaining games will determine the top two teams in each pool advancing to the crossover semifinals.
With Canada and the Netherlands already off to perfect starts, the race for the knockout stage is heating up at the FIBA 3x3 Champions Cup 2026.
FIBA