ANTWERP (Belgium) - Twelve men's and twelve women's teams will compete for continental glory at the FIBA 3x3 Europe Cup Crelan 2026, with the Pools and Schedule now confirmed ahead of the tournament in Antwerp from September 11-13.
Europe's biggest 3x3 basketball stars will descend on Belgium as Antwerp once again hosts one of the premier events on the international calendar. Widely regarded as one of the discipline's global hubs, the city is set to provide the perfect backdrop for three days of high-intensity action and unforgettable moments.
Fans can now view the men's and women's pools, setting the stage for a thrilling battle for Europe's biggest 3x3 basketball prize.
Men's Pools
The men's competition features some of the discipline's biggest heavyweights, led by top seeds Serbia, who are seeking to add another continental title to their decorated resume. The Netherlands and defending champions Lithuania are also among the favorites, while France, Germany, Latvia and hosts Belgium will all fancy their chances in Antwerp.
Pool A: Serbia, Switzerland, Belgium Pool B: Netherlands, Spain, Italy Pool C: Latvia, Ireland, Lithuania Pool D: Estonia, France, Germany
Pool B immediately catches the eye with a heavyweight showdown between Paris 2024 Gold Medalists Netherlands and FIBA 3x3 World Cup 2025 winners Spain. The two nations have been among the strongest performers on the international stage, and their clash could have major implications for the knockout bracket.
Pool C features another blockbuster encounter as defending FIBA 3x3 Europe Cup champions Lithuania take on reigning FIBA 3x3 World Cup 2026 champions Latvia. The Latvians also eliminated Lithuania in the Quarter-Finals of the FIBA 3x3 World Cup this year, adding another chapter to one of Europe's fiercest rivalries.
Pool A is headlined by Serbia and hosts Belgium, two teams loaded with star power. Expect another intriguing battle between Serbian superstar Strahinja Stojacic and Belgian talisman Dennis Donkor after numerous memorable meetings on the FIBA 3x3 World Tour.
Meanwhile, Pool D pits France against Germany in a rivalry that has intensified in recent years. Germany defeated France in the Semi-Finals of the FIBA 3x3 World Cup 2026, with the experienced French core of Franck Seguela and Hugo Suhard looking to gain a measure of payback against Germany's exciting young generation led by Fabian Giessmann and Denzel Agyeman.
Women's Pools
On the women's side, top seeds and defending champions Netherlands arrive in Antwerp aiming to win back-to-back titles against another stacked field. Spain, France and Germany headline a loaded competition that also features perennial contenders Poland and Azerbaijan, while Belgium will have the backing of the home crowd as they seek a memorable run.
Pool A: Ukraine, Netherlands, Azerbaijan Pool B: Slovenia, Hungary, Spain Pool C: France, Czechia, Sweden Pool D: Belgium, Germany, Poland
Of course, the women's draw is equally loaded with storylines. Defending FIBA 3x3 Europe Cup and World Cup champions Netherlands headline Pool A but face a stern challenge from Azerbaijan, last year's FIBA 3x3 Europe Cup runners-up. The two teams have developed a growing rivalry after several memorable meetings on the FIBA 3x3 Women's Series circuit.
Pool B features another must-watch encounter between Spain and Hungary. Spain arrive in Antwerp full of confidence following an outstanding season, but Hungary have repeatedly proven to be dangerous opponents and famously defeated the Spaniards at the FIBA 3x3 World Cup earlier this year.
Germany and Poland headline Pool D in a meeting between two ambitious teams. Germany remain one of the favorites to contend for gold, while Poland will be eager to bounce back after a disappointing FIBA 3x3 World Cup campaign.
In Pool C, the experienced French squad will take on an emerging Sweden team that impressed during the FIBA 3x3 Europe Cup 2026 Qualifiers, finishing with a 4-1 record to book their place in Antwerp.
Schedule
🔸 Friday, September 11 - Pool Games 🔸 Saturday, September 12 - Pool Games 🔸 Sunday, September 13 - Knockout Games & Finals
🎟️ Tickets can be purchased here
Official hashtag: #3x3Europe
With national pride, continental supremacy, and spots at the FIBA 3x3 World Cup 2027 and FIBA 3x3 Champions Cup 2027 on the line, the FIBA 3x3 Europe Cup 2026 promises another spectacular edition as Europe's finest battle for glory in Antwerp.
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About FIBA 3x3
Exciting, urban and innovative, 3x3 is inspired by several forms of streetball played worldwide and is considered the world's number one urban team sport. Steered by FIBA, games see two teams of three players face off on a basketball half-court.
It was played successfully for the first time in international competition at the 2010 Youth Olympic Games in Singapore and has since benefited from the launch of yearly professional circuits for men and women (World Tour and Women's Series respectively) as well as national team competitions. 3x3 made its Olympic debut at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games.
The Continental Cups (Europe Cup, Asia Cup, Africa Cup and Americup.) are the top regional championships for national teams. They serve as crucial qualification platforms for global events, highlight emerging regional powers, and expand the reach of 3x3 across FIBA’s zones.
FIBA