ULAANBAATAR (Mongolia) - The field is set for the FIBA 3x3 World Cup 2025 as anticipation builds for this year's showpiece event on June 23-29 in fan favorite Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia.
The final six tickets were secured after a drama filled two days at the FIBA 3x3 World Cup Qualifier in Baku, Azerbaijan, on May 24-25. Brazil, Latvia and Chile sealed their spots in the women's draw, while Montenegro, Canada and Great Britain booked their tickets in the men's.
After a break last year due to the Paris Olympics, the 3x3 World Cup is back and the ninth edition starts on June 23 with a women's Pool A blockbuster between No.1 seed China and Asia Cup champions Australia in a clash of fierce rivals.
Also in the group are former World Cup champions Italy, Poland and Africa Cup winners Madagascar.
Pool B might just be the 'Group of Death' with three-time World Cup champions and title holders USA pitted against European powerhouse Netherlands, Czechia, Japan and Brazil.
One of the most eagerly awaited early games will be a rematch of the World Cup 2022 final between France and Canada, while Hungary, Austria and Latvia are also in Pool C.
All eyes will be on the Pool D blockbuster between Germany and Spain in a rivalry that renews after their epic gold medal game at the Paris Olympics. Host Mongolia will have the partisan crowd on their side as they round out the group alongside Ukraine and Chile.
Women Pool A: China, Poland, Italy, Australia, Madagascar Pool B: Netherlands, USA, Czechia, Japan, Brazil Pool C: France, Canada, Hungary, Austria, Latvia Pool D: Spain, Germany, Mongolia, Ukraine, Chile
In the men's, No.1 seed Serbia will be starting their quest for a record-extending seventh title with an opening clash on June 24 against Asia Cup champions Australia. Germany, Belgium and Africa Cup winners Madagascar are also in Pool A.
Former champions USA and Tokyo Olympic gold medalists Latvia highlight Pool B, which also features host Mongolia, Japan and in-form Montenegro.
Pool C features No.3 seed France, European powerhouse Austria and a trio of talented teams from the Americas - Chile, Puerto Rico and Canada.
Pool D is loaded with reigning Olympic gold medalists Netherlands pitted against Olympic bronze medalists Lithuania as their rivalry renews. Spain, Switzerland and Great Britain are also in this distinctly European flavored group.
Men Pool A: Serbia, Germany, Belgium, Australia, Madagascar Pool B: USA, Latvia, Mongolia, Japan, Montenegro Pool C: France, Austria, China, Puerto Rico, Canada Pool D: Netherlands, Lithuania, Spain, Switzerland, Great Britain
The pool phase will run from June 23-26 before the last 16 on June 27 followed a day later by quarter-final action.
The semi-finals, third-placed games and finals of the men's and women's competitions will be staged on June 29.
FIBA