SINGAPORE – Hungary (women) and Italy (men) stamped their authority on Day 1 of the FIBA 3x3 World Cup Qualifier 2026, finishing unbeaten to top their respective pools and book their spots in Round 2.
But the biggest shock of the day came from the hosts, as Singapore pulled off a whale-sized upset over Brazil in the Women’s competition to advance alongside the Philippines from Pool B.
With the stakes rising and only three FIBA 3x3 World Cup 2026 tickets available per gender, Day 1 delivered drama, clutch moments and standout performances across the board.
Böröndy brilliance
Hungary were the standout team in the women’s field, going 2-0 in Pool A behind the stellar play of Vivi Böröndy, who set the tone on both ends.
She dropped 10 points in a hard-fought 21-18 win over Egypt to open their campaign, before adding 8 points in a tense 16-15 overtime victory against Lithuania.
Both games tested Hungary’s composure, but Böröndy’s scoring and presence in key moments proved decisive as they held off late rallies and executed when it mattered most.
Lithuania also advanced from Pool A after surviving two overtime battles, including a dramatic 19-18 win over Egypt, who were eliminated after two narrow losses.
Singapore shock Brazil
The biggest moment of the day belonged to Singapore.
After the Philippines edged them 21-19 in a tight contest earlier -- powered by Kacey De la Rosa’s 11-point performance -- the hosts responded in scintillating fashion against Brazil.
Trailing for much of the game and down 9-3 midway, Singapore mounted a furious comeback, eventually forcing overtime at 13-all. With the crowd behind them, they completed the upset with a clutch game-winning two-pointer care of Han XingYue to seal a 15-13 victory.
The result sent Brazil crashing out and secured Singapore’s place in Round 2 alongside pool leaders Philippines.
Italy perfect in Pool B
On the men’s side, Italy were in control from start to finish in Pool B.
They opened with a commanding 17-12 win over New Zealand, jumping out to an early lead and never looking back. Flavio Gay led the charge with 6 points, setting the tone with his aggressive play and scoring.
Italy then passed their toughest test against Egypt, grinding out a 21-19 victory in a back-and-forth battle. With the game tied late, they held their nerve in the closing moments to complete a perfect 2-0 record.
New Zealand joined them in advancing after surviving a narrow 16-15 win over Egypt.
Brazil rule Pool A
In Pool A, Czechia made a strong statement early with a dominant 20-10 win over Singapore, showcasing their physicality and control.
As for Brazil, they responded after a slow start to defeat Czechia 22-15 behind a strong offensive display, before comfortably dispatching Singapore 19-11 to secure top spot in the pool.
Czechia also advanced to Round 2, setting up a highly competitive FIBA 3x3 World Cup qualification stage on Day 2.
Day 2 matchups set
With the pool phase complete, the knockout bracket is locked in:
Women Hungary vs Singapore Philippines vs Lithuania
Men Brazil vs New Zealand Italy vs Czechia
What’s next
Day 2 will decide everything.
The winners of Round 2 will secure their tickets to the FIBA 3x3 World Cup 2026 in Warsaw, while the losing teams will get one final shot in a last-chance Round 3 showdown on the same day.
With everything on the line, expect even more intensity as the race to the World Cup reaches its climax.
FIBA