PRISTINA (Kosovo) – Ireland's men and Azerbaijan's women punched their tickets to the FIBA 3x3 Europe Cup Crelan 2026 after emerging victorious at the FIBA 3x3 Europe Cup Qualifier Kosovo 2026 on June 13-14.
With just one qualification spot available per gender, the stakes could not have been higher in Pristina as teams battled through two intense days of competition for the right to advance to Antwerp.
Ireland men rise to the occasion
Ireland men saved their best basketball for when it mattered most, overcoming Albania and Cyprus on the final day to secure qualification.
Despite opening the tournament with a narrow 21-19 defeat to Cyprus, Ireland bounced back with an 18-16 victory over hosts Kosovo behind a 10-point outing from Matt Treacy to reach the knockout stage.
Treacy continued his hot shooting in the Semi-Finals, erupting for 12 points as Ireland defeated Albania 21-15. The sharpshooter repeatedly punished Albania from deep, helping Ireland book a place in the winner-take-all final.
Awaiting them was a Cyprus side that had looked dominant throughout the tournament. Cyprus opened Day 1 with a dramatic 21-19 win over Ireland before overwhelming Kosovo 21-9 behind six two-pointers from Panagiotis Markou. They then rolled past Azerbaijan 21-10 in the Semi-Finals to move within one win of qualification.
The final, however, belonged to Ireland.
Ireland stormed out of the gates with a commanding 9-1 start and never looked back. Ryan Alexander Leonard led the way with 7 points as Ireland maintained control throughout before securing a 21-13 victory with nearly three minutes remaining.
The result completed a remarkable turnaround for Ireland, who avenged their opening-day loss to Cyprus when it mattered most and earned a place at the FIBA 3x3 Europe Cup Crelan 2026.
Azerbaijan win in dramatic fashion
The women's competition delivered one of the most thrilling finishes of the qualifying campaign as Azerbaijan secured qualification with a dramatic victory over Ireland in the Final.
Azerbaijan entered the tournament with momentum after opening group play with a 16-10 victory over Cyprus despite competing without a substitute. Arica Carter starred with 9 points in the win.
They followed it up with a narrow 15-14 triumph over Malta, with Carter once again delivering the decisive basket late in the contest to preserve Azerbaijan's unbeaten record.
Ireland also impressed during group play, dominating hosts Kosovo 21-8 behind Claire Melia's 7 points before advancing to the Final with a convincing 21-9 Semi-Finals victory over Cyprus.
Azerbaijan, meanwhile, stormed into the Final after Alexandra Mollenhauer erupted for 11 points in a 21-5 win over of Kosovo.
That set up a blockbuster showdown between the tournament's two unbeaten teams.
The Final lived up to expectations.
With the lead changing hands repeatedly, neither side was able to create separation. Ireland appeared on the verge of qualification after taking a 20-19 lead inside the final minute.
But Azerbaijan had one final answer.
Mollenhauer delivered the defining moment of the tournament, drilling a game-winning two-pointer to secure a dramatic 21-20 victory and send Azerbaijan to Antwerp.
The standout performer finished with a remarkable 15 points in the Final and played a pivotal role throughout Azerbaijan's unbeaten run to qualification.
FIBA