WARSAW (Poland) – The FIBA 3x3 World Cup 2026 is finally here and the world’s best 3x3 basketball players are ready to light up Warsaw.
However, before the first bucket drops at the iconic Parade Square, here are some fun facts and interesting tidbits you might not know about the biggest event in 3x3 basketball.
10th edition
The tournament has come a long way since its debut in Athens, Greece back in 2012. What started as a growing urban basketball concept has evolved into one of the fastest-rising global sports properties -- complete with Olympic status, worldwide broadcasts and millions of fans across digital platforms.
The 2025 edition in Ulaanbaatar produced one of the most electric atmospheres in recent 3x3 history. Massive crowds, nonstop energy and passionate local support elevated the World Cup experience and further showcased how deeply 3x3 basketball resonates globally.
Now Warsaw gets its turn.
Iconic venue
The event takes place next to the towering Palace of Culture and Science, which is one of the tallest buildings in Europe and one of Poland’s most recognizable landmarks. Few 3x3 basketball venues in the world combine urban culture, history and city energy quite like downtown Warsaw.
Music never stops
3x3 basketball is built around entertainment and urban culture. Music plays throughout games, MCs interact with fans constantly and players often feed directly off the crowd energy. The atmosphere feels more like a live festival than a traditional sports tournament.
Serbia are the kings of men’s 3x3 basketball
No country has dominated the men’s game like Serbia. The Serbian men have won six FIBA 3x3 World Cup titles and continue to set the standard for chemistry, execution and clutch play on the half-court. And yes, they’re chasing another crown in Warsaw after losing it last year in Ulaanbaatar.
Spain are the defending men’s champions
Spain captured their historic first men’s FIBA 3x3 World Cup World Cup title in 2025 after defeating Switzerland in the Final. That breakthrough victory completely reshaped the global hierarchy and instantly turned Spain into one of the sport’s newest powerhouse programs.
Netherlands women are defending world champions
The Dutch women enter Warsaw carrying the pressure of defending the title after winning their first-ever women’s FIBA 3x3 World Cup crown in Ulaanbaatar last year. Their balanced style, elite chemistry and composure helped make them one of the most complete teams in international 3x3 basketball.
DUNK MANIA debuts
The 2026 edition introduces an entirely new side event: DUNK MANIA.
The innovative team-based dunk contest features: viral-style dunk challenges, props, storytelling, crowd interaction and choreographed team dunks.
Led by captains Piotr Grabowski and Joel Henry, the event represents a completely new direction for dunk competitions.
Biggest 3x3 basketball event
The World Cup features:
20 men’s teams
20 women’s teams
That makes it one of the biggest and most globally diverse events in international basketball. From powerhouse nations like Serbia and USA to rising programs like Mongolia, Philippines, Madagascar and Azerbaijan, the field truly reflects the worldwide growth of 3x3 basketball.
Gender Parity
Reflecting FIBA 3x3’s strong commitment to gender equality, the FIBA 3x3 World Cup features an equal number of men’s and women’s teams, with 20 competing in each tournament.
Both competitions are given the same platform, with men and women playing on the same half-court under identical rules and using the same Wilson official game ball. Fans attending the event will also enjoy both the men’s and women’s games with a single session ticket, highlighting the inclusive and unified nature of 3x3 basketball.
Packed Week of Action
Fans can look forward to 104 games across seven thrilling days of competition in Warsaw.
The tournament begins with four days of Pool Stage action before the intensity ramps up with the Play-In Round on Day 5. The Quarter-Finals take center stage on Day 6, setting the stage for a dramatic final day of basketball.
Champions will ultimately be crowned on Day 7, which features the Semi-Finals, 3rd Place Game, and the highly anticipated Women’s and men’s Finals.
Exploding globally
FIBA 3x3 has become one of the fastest-growing digital sports brands in the world.
The sport generated billions of impressions, massive social engagement and worldwide broadcast reach across more than 200 countries and territories. Its fast-paced format and highlight-heavy style continue attracting younger audiences globally.
Since becoming an Olympic sport at Tokyo 2020, 3x3 basketball has rapidly expanded worldwide. And with increased Olympic participation planned for Los Angeles 2028, the stakes and spotlight surrounding the FIBA 3x3 World Cup continue to grow.
Watch for free
Every game is available live and free on FIBA 3x3's official YouTube channel although some geo restrictions might apply, with the event broadcast on television and other streaming platforms in a variety of locations.
So whether you’re a longtime 3x3 basketball fan or discovering the sport for the very first time, expect unforgettable moments, superstar performances, viral highlights and nonstop energy throughout the week in Warsaw.
FIBA