SAN SALVADOR (El Salvador) – The Americas' top men's 3x3 basketball teams are ready to battle for continental supremacy as the FIBA 3x3 AmeriCup 2026 tips off at the Plaza Merliot in San Salvador.
With defending champions, returning medalists, experienced FIBA 3x3 World Tour campaigners and ambitious challengers all looking to make their mark, the men's competition promises plenty of intrigue. The United States headline the rankings. However, Puerto Rico, Brazil and a host of dangerous contenders will be eager to challenge for the crown.
Who has the best shot at lifting the trophy? Let's break down the contenders.
1. USA
The defending men's champions remain the team to beat after winning four of the first five editions of the FIBA 3x3 AmeriCup. With Jimmer Fredette returning to the halfcourt alongside an experienced cast, the Americans have the pedigree and scoring firepower to make another run at gold.
2. Puerto Rico
Puerto Rico have finished as runners-up in each of the past two editions, and Luis Cuascut remains a key figure in their pursuit of a breakthrough gold medal. After coming so close in 2024 and 2025, expect the Puerto Ricans to arrive hungry to take the next step.
3. Brazil
Brazil claimed bronze in 2025 and will look to build on that podium finish. Veteran Leo Branquinho, a familiar face on the AmeriCup and World Tour stages, brings valuable experience and perimeter shooting to a team capable of challenging the favorites.
4. Dominican Republic
The Dominican Republic have an intriguing opportunity to make a statement in San Salvador, with a place in the Main Draw to be secured through Qualifying Draw A. Their path includes Colombia, Guatemala and Belize, making the opening stage an important test before a potential showdown with the top-ranked United States. Having Adris De Leon is going to be a major boost.
5. Canada
Canada have the experience to contend for the title, with Jerome Desrosiers bringing extensive exposure to the FIBA 3x3 Pro Circuit and World Tour. His experience includes leading London to a World Tour stop victory in Deqing in 2025, giving Canada a proven performer to lean on in the biggest moments.
6. Chile
Chile finished fifth in 2025 and will aim to improve on that result this time around. Juan José Aguayo Ferrada, who has also competed at the FIBA 3x3 U23 World Cup, brings international experience to a team that will face Argentina and a Qualifying Draw D winner in Pool D.
7. Mexico
Mexico enter the Main Draw in Pool C alongside Canada and the winner of Qualifying Draw C. That presents an immediate challenge, but the Mexicans have a clear opportunity to test themselves against established regional opposition and build momentum toward the knockout rounds.
8. Argentina
Argentina will look to make a deeper run after finishing seventh at the 2025 AmeriCup. Alejo Maggi arrives with valuable international experience after averaging 5.8 points per game at the FIBA 3x3 U23 World Cup 2025, and his contributions could prove important in a competitive Pool D.
9. Venezuela
Venezuela have the talent to make their presence felt, but first they must navigate Qualifying Draw B against Haiti, Saint Kitts and Nevis, and Nicaragua. Getting through that group would set up a Main Draw opportunity in Pool B alongside Puerto Rico and Brazil.
10. Colombia
Colombia face a challenging route through Qualifying Draw A, where they will meet the Dominican Republic, Guatemala and Belize. A successful qualifying campaign would give them a chance to test themselves against the United States and hosts El Salvador in the Main Draw.
11. Saint Lucia
Saint Lucia enter Qualifying Draw C alongside the Cayman Islands, Trinidad and Tobago, and Honduras. The group offers a chance to earn a place in Pool C, where Canada and Mexico await, making every possession in the qualifying stage especially important.
12. El Salvador
The hosts may be ranked 12th, but home-court support could give El Salvador an extra lift in San Salvador. Drawn into Pool A alongside defending champions USA and the winner of Qualifying Draw A, the Salvadorans will have an immediate opportunity to measure themselves against one of the tournament's leading contenders.
The men's competition tips off with the Qualifying Draw on October 28-29, followed by pool play on October 30-31 before the knockout rounds and the Final on November 1.
And if history tells us anything, these rankings could look very different once the action begins in San Salvador.
Stay Connected
Follow all the latest action from the FIBA 3x3 Cups tournaments throughout the 2026 season by visiting the official FIBA 3x3 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 3x3 Individual and Federation Rankings as teams and players continue their push toward the season finale.
Want to learn more about 3x3 basketball? Explore the official FIBA 3x3 Rules to understand the unique fast-paced format of the game, or discover the FIBA 3x3 Competition Structure to see how the discipline’s global pathway connects grassroots events, professional tours and world-class international competitions.
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