SAN SALVADOR (El Salvador) – Paraguay’s women and Venezuela’s men secured their places in the Main Draw of the FIBA 3x3 AmeriCup 2026 after navigating the Qualifying Draw on Day 1 in San Salvador, El Salvador, on Wednesday.
Paola Ferrari led Paraguay’s charge with a dominant all-around scoring display, while Jhordy Alexander Aponte Gonzalez delivered a consistent performance to guide Venezuela through.
Suriname’s men also pulled off a notable upset, sweeping their pool despite entering as the 24th seed, while Colombia eliminated reigning women’s bronze medalists Brazil in one of the day’s biggest surprises.
Paraguay power through
Paraguay made a statement in Women’s Qualifying Draw Pool C, winning all three games in convincing fashion to book a Main Draw berth. FIBA 3x3 Women's Series veteran Ferrari was at the center of the run, opening with 12 points against Nicaragua in a 21-8 victory, including five two-pointers.
Paraguay followed that with another 21-3 rout of Jamaica, with Ferrari adding 10 points. She then contributed eight points in a 21-8 win over Honduras to complete an emphatic pool sweep. Her scoring, outside shooting and consistency helped Paraguay advance with momentum heading into the Main Draw.
Venezuela men advance
Venezuela’s men also went unbeaten in Pool B, taking care of Nicaragua, Haiti and Saint Kitts and Nevis to qualify for the Main Draw.
Aponte Gonzalez set the tone in the opener, scoring eight points in Venezuela’s 21-15 win over Nicaragua. He matched that total in a 21-15 victory over Saint Kitts and Nevis to seal qualification. Venezuela also defeated Haiti 21-11, with Jose Gregorio Rodriguez Fuentes leading the way with 11 points.
Colombia stun Brazil
Colombia produced one of the day’s biggest results in Women’s Qualifying Draw Pool A, defeating Brazil 18-16 to eliminate the FIBA 3x3 AmeriCup 2025 bronze medalists and claim the pool’s Main Draw place.
Brazil had opened with an 18-6 victory over Uruguay, but could not carry that momentum into the decisive matchup. Colombia had earlier beaten Uruguay 19-11, with Yuliany Paz scoring nine points, before Valentina Montoya and Wendy Hernandez combined for 12 points in the upset of Brazil.
The result ended Brazil’s bid to earn a medal and sent Colombia into the Main Draw. This is Brazil women's first time to miss the Main Draw in FIBA 3x3 AmeriCup history.
Suriname men buck the odds
Suriname delivered another major storyline, sweeping Men’s Qualifying Draw Pool D despite entering the competition as the 24th seed.
After beating Uruguay 20-15 and Barbados 18-14, Suriname faced Jamaica with qualification on the line. The game looked to be slipping away when Suriname trailed 16-19, but Jermelcio Geraldo Anduelo Wartes helped lead a remarkable 5-0 closing run to secure a 21-19 comeback win.
Wartes finished with 11 points against Jamaica after scoring eight against Barbados. The dramatic finish capped an unbeaten pool campaign and earned Suriname an unexpected place in the Main Draw.
What's next
Day 2 of the FIBA 3x3 AmeriCup 2026 Qualifying Draw will see the more teams battle for the final places in the Main Draw the Plaza Merliot.
Fans can follow the action through FIBA 3x3’s digital platforms and official broadcast partners, subject to territorial restrictions.
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