WARSAW (Poland) – Day 1 of the FIBA 3x3 World Cup 2026 delivered an electric start in downtown Warsaw as the world’s best players officially began their quest for global glory.
Serbia (men) and the Netherlands (women) took the headlines with perfect records and statement wins on opening day.
TEAMS
SERBIA (Men)
The 6-time World Cup winners meant business on Day 1. They started out with a decisive 21 - 14 victory over Madagascar. Nenad Nerandžić led the way with a 10-point scoring effort while World #1 Strahinja Stojacic pulled the strings for the win. Their second game would be against Reigning World Cup champs in Spain. Whilst a more physical battle, Serbia stayed a step ahead, ultimately pulling away with a 16 - 12 win thanks to a Dr. Strange takeover with a 9-point scoring display. They sit atop their pool before Day 3 action where they'll close out their pool run.
NETHERLANDS (Women)
Reigning champs came out swinging to start pool play! They faced a sharpshooting Czechia side to open action and grinded their offense down, turning it into a gritty affair. The Dutch emerged victorious 12 - 8, a much-needed tone-setter heading into their next clash against a dominant Azerbaijan side.
Ilse Kuijt and Noortje Driessen starred in their second pool game, combining for 14 points in yet another victory, this time a 19 - 13 result over a contending side to close Day 1 action unbeaten.
PLAYERS
FABIAN GIESSMANN (Germany)
The 21-year-old German star was dominant to start pool action. Germany's perfect pool display came off the back of two monstrous performances from Giessmann - 9 points and 4 rebounds against Japan before adding in an 11-point 6-rebound effort against New Zealand. Giessmann's impact both offensively and defensively makes him a perennial threat for the opposition and a star to watch heading into Day 3 action.
AMA DEGBEON (Germany)
Ama Degbeon was feeling herself on Day 1 action . She started off with a joint-team high 7 points in a win over China before following it up with a 10-point outburst in their win over the Philippines. Germany closed the day with a perfect record and Degbeon's efforts were a key part of that.
What's Next?
Day 2 of the FIBA 3x3 World Cup 2026 will feature Pool B and Pool D action in both the men's and women's tournaments.
Among the must-watch matchups:
- Pool B Men: USA vs Latvia: Athletic powerhouse vs former Olympic champions. - Pool B Women: Australia vs USA: High-level clash between two medal contenders.
Fans can follow all the action live on FIBA 3x3 digital platforms and official broadcast partners worldwide.
FIBA