ANTWERP (Belgium) – The road to continental 3x3 basketball glory starts with a pecking order, but the FIBA 3x3 Europe Cup has a habit of tearing up predictions. Germany lead the men’s Power Rankings heading into Antwerp, with Serbia, Latvia and the Netherlands close behind. Here’s how the 12 teams stack up before the action begins at the FIBA 3x3 Europe Cup Crelan 2026.
1. Germany
Germany take the No.1 spot after emerging as one of Europe’s most dangerous sides. Their blend of size, versatility and two-way intensity makes them a tough matchup. Of course, that's embodied by no other than Fabian Giessmann. After beating France at the FIBA 3x3 World Cup 2026 Semi-Finals and just falling short in the Final against Latvia, the Germans arrive in Antwerp with genuine title credentials.
2. Serbia
Few teams can match Serbia’s individual firepower, with world No.1 Strahinja Stojačić leading the charge. Of course, they will also have some of the biggest names from the FIBA 3x3 World Tour like Filip Kaluđerović and Nenad Nerandžić of Ub alongside Dorde Simeunovic of Liman. As such, this squad has the experience and pedigree to thrive when games tighten up. If their stars find rhythm early, Serbia can quickly turn the rankings into reality.
3. Latvia
The reigning FIBA 3x3 World Cup champions remain one of the safest picks, especially with the 'Batman and Robin' duo of Karlis Lasmanis and Nauris Miezis leading the way. Latvia’s explosiveness and big-game experience make them dangerous in any knockout matchup. They would also love to finish the job after losing in last year's Europe Cup Final to Lithuania.
4. Netherlands
Olympic champions Netherlands sit fourth, but that ranking hardly tells the whole story. Worthy de Jong brings championship pedigree and elite scoring ability as the Dutch chase a first men’s Europe Cup crown. Having Utrecht's Nesta Agasi will also be quite interesting. If he meshes well with de Jong & Co., the Dutch could go very far. Their pool play matchup with Spain will set the tone.
5. France
France have consistently been among Europe’s elite and will be hungry after falling to Germany at the World Cup. Not having Franck Seguela is a genuine curiosity, but Hugo Suhard and Paul Djoko give them veteran leadership, playmaking and shooting under pressure. They also carry extra motivation as they chase a first men’s Europe Cup title.
6. Belgium
The hosts land at No.6, but home-court energy could make them a major threat. Dennis Donkor and Jonas Foerts lead a Belgian side capable of feeding off the Antwerp crowd. Put Thibaut 'Must-see TV' Vervoort in the mix, and they have guys who can catch fire in the blink of an eye. Belgium's pool play clash with Serbia is one of the event’s must-see matchups.
7. Lithuania
Defending champions Lithuania may be seventh, but that also makes them the ultimate ranking upset candidate. Ignas Vaitkus returns as the reigning Europe Cup MVP, giving them a proven continental closer. Never count out a team that already knows what it takes to win.
8. Spain
Spain do note enter as the reigning World Cup champions after losing the title in Warsaw earier this year. Still, they find themselves eighth in the Power Rankings. That makes them one of the most intriguing teams in the field. Iván Aurrecoechea will be immovable under the basket, while Diego De Blas' versatility will be all-important. Their opening pool battle with Olympic champions Netherlands should be a statement game.
9. Switzerland
Switzerland may not have the same trophy cabinet as the teams above them, but they have earned their place among Europe’s best, especially after sweeping the Kosice Qualifier. Their disciplined approach can make them very dangerous opponents. A strong start against Lithuania and Latvia would instantly change the conversation.
10. Italy
Italy occupy the No.10 spot and arrive with everything to gain. Their pool alongside Netherlands and Spain gives them opportunities to make an early statement, or an early exit. If the Italians disrupt the established order, they could become one of Antwerp’s surprise stories.
11. Estonia
Estonia sit just outside the top 10, but the gap can disappear quickly in 3x3 basketball. After all, this team swept all their games at the Bucharest Qualifier. Overlook them at your own risk. That said, Estonia will need to embrace the pace and physicality from the opening possession. A pool upset would put them firmly on the map.
12. Ireland
Ireland round out the rankings after topping the Pristina Qualifier. However, that position comes with zero margin for hesitation. Their pool features Lithuania and Latvia, the protagonists from last year's Europe Cup Final. With nothing to lose, Ireland can play the spoiler and make life difficult for the favorites.
The rankings may point to Germany, Serbia and Latvia at the front, but Antwerp will decide what matters. With Olympic, World Cup and Europe Cup champions alongside legitimate challengers and new faces across the field, expect the order to change once the first check ball is made.
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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