KOŠICE (Slovakia) – Switzerland and Italy in the men's competition, along with Hungary and Slovenia in the women's draw, secured their places at the FIBA 3x3 Europe Cup Crelan 2026 after an action-packed weekend at the FIBA 3x3 Europe Cup Qualifier Slovakia 2026.
With two qualification spots available per gender, Europe's hopefuls battled through a loaded field in Košice as the race to Antwerp intensified.
Swiss and Italians punch men's tickets
Switzerland completed an unbeaten run to qualification and looked every bit the contender throughout the tournament.
Led by the duo of Jonathan Kazadi and Jonathan Dubas, Switzerland opened with victories over Slovakia and Portugal before advancing past Finland in Round 2. Their toughest challenge came against a resilient Slovenian side in the qualification game, but Switzerland found another gear late to secure a 21-16 victory.
Dubas led the way with 9 points in the qualification-clinching win, while Kazadi contributed key baskets throughout the contest as Switzerland booked their return to the FIBA 3x3 Europe Cup.
Slovenia had entered the matchup brimming with confidence after one of the most dramatic victories of the tournament. Trailing Hungary 19-14 with just minutes remaining in their Round 2 duel, Slovenia stormed back before Adrian Hirschmann buried the game-winning two-pointer in a thrilling 21-20 triumph.
Italy claimed the second men's qualification spot after rebounding impressively from an opening-day defeat to Hungary.
The Italians found their rhythm when it mattered most, eliminating Croatia in Round 2 behind a 10-point performance from Amedeo Della Valle before meeting surprise package Portugal with Antwerp on the line.
Portugal had battled through a thriller of their own, edging Türkiye 20-19 after Danilo Borges knocked down the game-winning two-pointer.
But Italy's experience ultimately proved decisive.
Della Valle once again starred with 9 points as Italy built a commanding lead and closed out a 21-14 victory to secure qualification for Antwerp.
Hungarian and Slovenian women prevail
Hungary were the dominant force of the women's tournament from start to finish.
Powered by Vivi Böröndy, Hungary swept through pool play with emphatic victories over Slovakia, Georgia, Slovenia and Serbia. Böröndy repeatedly delivered for her side, including two separate 11-point performances on Day 1.
Their qualification showdown against Italy proved considerably tighter. The Italians slowed the pace and turned the game into a defensive battle, but Hungary remained composed down the stretch. After the teams were tied 6-all late, Hungary closed on a decisive run to claim an 11-7 victory and seal qualification.
Slovenia, for their part, secured the other women's ticket after surviving a dramatic encounter against Portugal.
The Slovenians had impressed throughout the competition, highlighted by victories over Serbia, Slovakia and Georgia. Eva Lisec once again led the way in the qualification game, but Portugal pushed them to the brink.
After Portugal held an early lead, Slovenia fought back and appeared to have seized control late before Maria Maio Marinho cut the deficit to a single point in the closing moments. Lisec responded with a crucial basket and Slovenia held on for a tense 16-15 victory to book their place at the FIBA 3x3 Europe Cup Crelan 2026.
Portugal narrowly missed qualification despite a strong tournament that included wins over Italy and Finland.
Switzerland and Italy join the growing men's field for the FIBA 3x3 Europe Cup Crelan 2026, while Hungary and Slovenia secured the two available women's berths from Košice. The quartet will now set their sights on Antwerp and the opportunity to compete against Europe's elite later this year.
FIBA