ANTWERP (Belgium) - The road to Antwerp is about to begin. Anticipation is building as teams across the continent prepare to battle for coveted tickets to the FIBA 3x3 Europe Cup 2026.
With only a limited number of spots available, the upcoming qualifiers will once again deliver high-stakes action, where every possession matters and there is no margin for error.
The Europe Cup remains the flagship 3x3 basketball national team competition in Europe, bringing together the continent’s best in both the men’s and women’s categories since its launch in 2014.
Last year’s qualifiers showed just how competitive the race can be, with teams earning their places through multiple events across Europe to complete the final field.
This year, the journey leads to Antwerp, Belgium -- one of the discipline's premier destinations - where the qualified teams will compete for continental glory in September.
In the men’s tournament, Lithuania (defending champions), Belgium (hosts), Serbia, France, Netherlands, Germany and Latvia have qualified directly based on the rankings.
In the women’s tournament, Netherlands (defending champions), Belgium (hosts), Spain, France, Germany, Poland and Czechia also secured direct qualification via the rankings.
There are still 10 spots available -- five per gender -- with three qualifying events set to determine the final tickets to Antwerp.
Pristina, Kosovo | June 13–14
1 team per gender qualifies
Men’s teams: Kosovo, Ireland, Azerbaijan, Malta, Cyprus, Albania, San Marino Women’s teams: Kosovo, Azerbaijan, Cyprus, Ireland, Malta
The men’s competition will feature two pools in a round-robin format, with the top two teams advancing to the semifinals. The finalists will qualify for the Europe Cup.
The women’s competition will be played in a single round-robin pool, with the top team securing qualification.
Košice, Slovakia | June 13–14
2 teams per gender qualify
Men’s teams: Slovakia, Switzerland, Poland, Italy, Hungary, Türkiye, Croatia, Portugal, Georgia, Finland Women’s teams: Slovakia, Italy, Hungary, Türkiye, Portugal, Slovenia, Serbia, Croatia, Georgia, Finland
The men’s draw will be split into four pools, with pool winners advancing to the quarter-finals. The two finalists will qualify for the Europe Cup.
The women’s competition will feature two pools, with the pool winners earning qualification.
Bucharest, Romania | June 16–17
2 teams per gender qualify
Men’s teams: Austria, Spain, Czechia, Ukraine, Greece, Great Britain, Romania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Estonia, Denmark, Sweden Women’s teams: Ukraine, Latvia, Austria, Romania, Lithuania, Greece, Great Britain, Sweden, Denmark
The men’s competition will follow the same format as Košice, with four pools leading into knockout rounds and two teams qualifying.
The women’s draw will be split into two pools, with the pool winners advancing to Antwerp.
Expect intense matchups, clutch performances and breakout moments as established powers and rising nations go head-to-head for a place on one of 3x3 basketball’s biggest stages.
FIBA