MATARO (Spain) – The race for FIBA 3x3 World Tour 2026 slots heats up once again as the FIBA 3x3 Mataro Challenger 2026 brings a loaded international field to the Port de Mataro on September 26-27, with three coveted tickets to FIBA 3x3 World Tour Zaisan 2026 up for grabs. The 25th Challenger of the season represents another major opportunity for teams to turn a strong weekend into a place on the elite World Tour stage.
Big name teams
The field features several of the highest-ranked teams on the FIBA 3x3 Pro Circuit 2026 , setting the stage for a high-level battle in Mataro.
Liman (SRB), currently second overall in the season standings, headline the field as one of the leading teams on the circuit. They face a major challenge from fourth-ranked Baskets Bonn (GER), while Hangzhou Jingwei (CHN) arrive at No. 15 and Cibona Ph.Classic (CRO) at No. 16.
Home fans will have plenty to cheer for with Barcelona (ESP) also in the field. Currently 19th overall, the Spanish side will look to make the most of home conditions at the Port de Mataro.
Princeton (USA) add another compelling storyline as they chase a second FIBA 3x3 World Tour qualification for the season, having already secured a berth for WT Hong Kong. Kaunas VDU (LTU), ranked 27th overall, complete a field where every team will have its sights set on the top three.
Star power across the court
Mataro will also feature a collection of players capable of making an immediate impact.
Liman will lean on Stefan Milivojevic, while Sidi Beikame will be one to watch for Baskets Bonn. Hangzhou Jingwei will have Vuk Borovićanin leading the charge, with Roko Spaseski providing firepower for Cibona Ph.Classic.
Barcelona's Nil Bria will be looking to make his mark in front of the home crowd, while Princeton will rely on the experience and athleticism of Justin Pierce. U23 standout Rokas Jocys gives Kaunas VDU another dangerous offensive option.
Full Seeding List
1. Liman (SRB) 2. Baskets Bonn (GER) 3. Hangzhou Jingwei (CHN) 4. Cibona Ph.Classic (CRO) 5. Barcelona (ESP) 6. Princeton (USA) 7. Kaunas VDU (LTU) 8. Akademija VDU (LTU) 9. Mataro (ESP) 10. Diadema (BRA) 11. Uzice Zlatiborac (SRB) 12. Ashgabat (TKM) 13. Montreal (CAN) 14. Cairo (EGY) 15. Gran Canaria (PDM) 16. Dubai (UAE)
Qualifying Draw
Qualifying Draw A: Akademija VDU (LTU), Montreal (CAN), Cairo (EGY) Qualifying Draw B: Uzice Zlatiborac (SRB), Ashgabat (TKM), Gran Canaria (PDM)
Main Draw
Pool A: Liman (SRB), Mataro (ESP), Diadema (BRA) Pool B: Baskets Bonn (GER), Kaunas VDU (LTU), Dubai (UAE) Pool C: Hangzhou Jingwei (CHN), Princeton (USA), QD A Pool D: Cibona Ph.Classic (CRO), Barcelona (ESP), QD B
Road to Zaisan
With three places at FIBA 3x3 World Tour Zaisan on the line, every game in Mataro carries major importance. As the Challenger season enters its last few legs, teams will have little room for error in their pursuit of tickets for the World Tour.
Set against the backdrop of the Port de Mataro, the 25th Challenger of 2026 promises two days of fast-paced action, elite 3x3 basketball and a crucial battle for World Tour qualification.
Stay Connected
Follow all the latest action from the FIBA 3x3 World Tour throughout the 2026 season by visiting the official World Tour website, where you can find the latest news, team standings, player statistics and everything you need to follow the Race to the Final. 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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