WARSAW (Poland) – The stakes rose significantly on Day 3 of the FIBA 3x3 World Cup 2026 as Pool A and Pool C teams battled for direct qualification to the knockout rounds. On the men's side, Madagascar made shockwaves with two historic wins while The German women maintained course to finish pool play perfect.
TEAMS
MADAGASCAR (Men)
It was Mission Impossible for Madagascar after Day 1 where they suffered two losses in a row. Anything short of perfection against top premier teams in 3x3, one of them being the reigning World Champions in Spain, would not be enough. Madagascar had a mountain to climb, and they did just that.
Starting off against Australia, Madagascar kept their opposition off their rhythm and continued to impose themselves in the paint, every response from the Gangurrus was answered swiftly by the likes of Elly Randriamampionona and Anthony Rasolomanana. A collective scoring effort paved the way for a 22 - 17 win capped off by a clutch two from Elly.
Up next: Spain. In a surprising series of events, it was Madagascar that caught fire early, sticking to the game plan and taking an early advantage that they would maintain for most of the game. Elly was undoubtedly the offensive hero for his side, putting up timely buckets throughout. However, Spain rallied back and eventually assumed a 19 - 16 lead. With an exit looming, Madagascar answered the call. Big-time buckets pulled them close before a huge rebound and two from Alpha Solondrainy gave them the advantage with seconds to go. They would hold on to come away with a 20 -19 victory, booking their place into the knockout rounds while eliminating the reigning World champions. The dream is alive for Madagascar as they'll battle it out in the Play-in.
GERMANY (Women)
Germany continued on their perfect start to pool action on Day 1, adding two more wins to their name to close pool phase with a perfect record. It was a grinding 15 - 8 victory over Italy to start their day. Laura Zolper led her side in scoring with 6.
A much closer battle followed, this time against Latvia. Another collective scoring effort led the way for a 17 -18 victory for the Germans who now hold all the momentum heading into Quarter-Final action on Day 6.
PLAYERS
DENZEL AGYEMAN (Germany)
After being at the forefront of Germany's perfect 2-0 start to pool action on Day 1, Agyeman followed it up with another day of stellar performances. They faced off against Olympic Gold medalists and perennial contenders Netherlands in their opening game of the day. His physicality coupled with offensive drive earned him a 10-point game and made him the difference-maker in a marquee 21 - 13 victory over the Dutch. He added in 6 points in their second win of the day against China, keeping the momentum red-hot as they close out pool play with a 4-0 record.
BRIANNA FRASER (Azerbaijan) There was no stopping Fraser yet again as she showed out for Azerbaijan in their perfect 2-0 run on Day 3.
She put up a team-high 6 points and 4 rebounds in a closely-fought game against Czechia. She followed it up with an 8-point, 6-rebound game against home side Poland who needed a win to remain in contention for the knockout stage. The unshakable Brianna Fraser has made her mark in Warsaw so far as she aims to go all the way to Gold with her side. Teams Through To The Knockout Stage
Men's Quarter-Final Qualifiers Serbia Germany
Men's Play-In Qualifiers Austria Madagascar Netherlands New Zealand
Women's Quarter-Final Qualifiers Netherlands Germany
Women's Play-In Qualifiers Azerbaijan Czechia Latvia China
What's Next?
Attention now turns to Day 4, where Pool B and Pool D teams will fight for the remaining Quarter-Final and Play-In spots.
With knockout 3x3 basketball just around the corner, the margin for error continues to shrink in Warsaw.
Fans can continue following the action live on FIBA 3x3 digital platforms and official broadcast partners worldwide.
FIBA