WARSAW (Poland) – Day 2 of the FIBA 3x3 World Cup 2026 turned up the intensity as several title contenders made their first appearances in Warsaw.
Czechia and USA were the ones to claim the spotlight with unbeaten displays to start their pool campaign.
TEAMS
CZECHIA (Men)
Statement made, courtesy of Czechia as they secured a perfect 2-0 record in spectacular fashion in Warsaw. They faced a strong Mongolian side in their opener and emerged 17 - 14 winners. Filip Novotny led the way with an 8-point game in the result. It was their second game however, that turned heads. They faced former World Cup champions in the United States and went toe-to-toe with the opposition.
With scores tied at 20 apiece, Štěpán Borovka came clutch with a tough lay to secure a 21 - 20 victory for Czechia after an absolute thriller. He finished the game with a team-high 8 points to seal a much-needed win for the side heading into their pool closing games on Day 4.
USA (Women)
Expectations were high for the Americans who have been on red-hot form to start the season with back-to-back wins in the Women's Series circuit. They would not have it easy to start pool play, taking on Hungary and Australia on Day 2, two strong contenders for podium spots in the tournament.
It was an uphill battle against Hungary where they had to fight back from an early deficit. A two-sided effort from Sahara Williams proved to be the difference maker as they pulled away with an 18 - 15 victory.
It was Australia next up and this time, USA came out swinging, imposing themselves and taking on a sizeable lead early on. While the game slowed down and fell more into the balance down the stretch, a Mikaylah Williams game winner sealed a perfect record for the Americans on the day with a 21 - 18 win in their final game of the day.
PLAYERS
HUGO SUHARD (France)
An unbeaten start to life for France on Day 2 and at the forefront of it was Hugo Suhard. He went off for an incredible 13 points in their opening win over Belgium including a clutch game winner just before the buzzer to seal the 21 - 20 win for Les Bleus.
His defensive efforts and team-high rebounding numbers in their second game against Puerto Rico also proved to be key to their perfect run on the day.
AMY ATWELL (Australia)
Australia split results on the day, but Atwell's impact for the Gangurrus showed signs of being a difference-maker all tournament. Her defensive effort shone through in both their games, but her offensive output led the way. She put up 7 points in their win over Mongolia before adding in 9 points in a gritty loss to USA. The Aussies' hopes for Gold in Warsaw remain alive and there's no doubt Atwell will play a major role if they go all the way.
What's Next?
Day 3 will bring the return of Pool A and Pool C action as teams look to strengthen their positions heading into the final stretch of pool play.
With qualification scenarios beginning to take shape, every possession becomes even more important in Warsaw.
Fans can continue following the action live on FIBA 3x3 digital platforms and official broadcast partners worldwide.
FIBA