BUCHAREST (Romania) – Spain and Estonia in the men's competition, along with Ukraine and Sweden in the women's draw, secured the final available berths for the FIBA 3x3 Europe Cup Crelan 2026 after an exciting weekend at the FIBA 3x3 Europe Cup Qualifier Romania 2026.
With the last tickets to Antwerp on the line, teams battled through a highly competitive field in Bucharest, producing dramatic upsets, historic breakthroughs and memorable performances.
Spain and Estonia men victorious
Spain entered the tournament among the favorites and lived up to expectations, completing an unbeaten run on their way back to the FIBA 3x3 Europe Cup.
Led by the dominant Iván Aurrecoechea, Spain opened with emphatic victories over Denmark and Romania before advancing directly to the Qualification Round. Aurrecoechea was nearly unstoppable throughout the tournament, including a 12-point explosion against Denmark and another standout display against Romania.
Spain's qualification showdown against Austria featured two of Europe's most accomplished programs, but the Spaniards controlled proceedings from the opening tip. Their inside-outside attack repeatedly caused problems as they built a comfortable lead before securing a 21-14 victory. The result marked Spain's return to the FIBA 3x3 Europe Cup after missing out in 2025.
The second men's ticket went to Estonia, who emerged as one of the stories of the tournament. Estonia opened their campaign with a surprise victory over Austria before completing a Pool A sweep by defeating Bosnia and Herzegovina. Jaan Puidet and Oliver Metsalu consistently delivered throughout the event, helping Estonia establish themselves as one of the most disciplined teams in Bucharest.
After defeating Great Britain in Round 2, Estonia faced Ukraine with qualification on the line. The Estonians raced out to an early advantage and never relinquished control. Puidet scored 7 points as Estonia secured an 18-15 victory and booked their first FIBA 3x3 Europe Cup appearance since 2021.
Ukraine and Sweden women advance
Ukraine were the class of the women's field, finishing the tournament unbeaten. Led by Miriam Uro-Nilie and Krystyna Filevych, Ukraine swept Pool A with victories over Denmark, Lithuania and Romania before edging Austria in a tense qualification game.
Austria threatened a late comeback after cutting the deficit to a single point in the closing moments, but Ukraine held firm to secure a 16-15 victory and punch their ticket to Antwerp.
The second qualification spot went to Sweden, who completed a remarkable breakthrough campaign. The Swedes stunned fancied Lithuania on opening day before adding victories over Romania and Denmark to finish pool play with a 3-1 record.
Their qualification game against unbeaten Latvia proved to be one of the most competitive contests of the tournament. After the teams traded baskets throughout the entire contest, Sweden seized control late behind key plays from Emma Melina Johansson. A 15-13 victory secured not only qualification but also Sweden's first-ever appearance at the FIBA 3x3 Europe Cup.
The four teams complete the field for the FIBA 3x3 Europe Cup Crelan 2026, where Europe's elite will gather in Antwerp from 11-13 September.
FIBA