WUHAN (China) – The next generation of women’s 3x3 basketball is ready to bask under the spotlight at the the Hongshan Riverfront Park in Wuhan, with the world’s best young teams set to battle for the FIBA 3x3 U23 World Cup 2026 title. From established youth talents to players already making an impact on the FIBA 3x3 Women’s Series, these are eight names who could make a major difference.
Yurin Yamamoto (Japan)
Yamamoto arrives with plenty of recent high-level experience. She has been part of Mitsubishi Electric’s FIBA 3x3 Women’s Series campaign throughout 2026, including runner-up finishes in WS Bangkok and WS Tokyo and a third-place result in WS Jinan. Japan are seeded fifth, giving Yamamoto and her teammates a strong platform to make a deep run.
Jesika Hibalova (Czechia)
Hibalova has been a key part of Czechia’s strong Youth Nations League campaign. Czechia won Stops 1 and 2 before adding a runner-up finish at Stop 3, while Hibalova also featured at the FIBA 3x3 U23 World Cup 2025, where Czechia finished sixth. The seventh seeds will be looking for another big performance from her in Wuhan.
Mia Zeks (Slovenia)
Zeks brings both youth and senior 3x3 basketball experience to Slovenia. She helped Slovenia win Youth Nations League Stop 1 in 2026 and followed that with a runner-up finish at Stop 5. She also competed at WS Baku, where Slovenia finished fourth. With Slovenia seeded 13th, Zeks will be central to their challenge.
Adelina Urtane (Latvia)
Urtane was part of a Latvia side that made an immediate statement in the Youth Nations League, winning the first four Europe-2 stops before adding second- and third-place finishes in Stops 5 and 6. She has also gained Women’s Series experience with Riga. Latvia are seeded sixth and will be hoping that momentum carries into Wuhan.
Li Ruoying (China)
The home team has one of the most intriguing players in Li Ruoying. Li has spent much of 2026 competing on the Women’s Series with Beijing, including a fourth-place finish in Singapore and sixth place at the Project Redwings Shanghai Final, where she was also named Young Talent's Laura Awardee as the best U25 player of the tournament. As the No.1 seed, China will have expectations on home soil, and Li will be one to watch.
Lotte van Kruistum (Netherlands)
Van Kruistum arrives with a résumé built for the biggest stage. She was part of the Netherlands’ title-winning teams in the FIBA 3x3 U23 World Cup 2025 and Europe Cup 2025. Van Kruistum has continued to compete at the highest level, helping the Dutch win multiple Women’s Series stops in 2026. With the Netherlands seeded second and focused on their title defense, she will be among the most accomplished figures on the half-court.
Elena Moreno (Spain)
Moreno returns to the U23 World Cup after helping Spain finish third in 2025. She has also enjoyed success in 2026, representing Spain at the Mediterranean Games and winning gold, while Spain’s Youth Nations League team captured Europe-4 Stops 4 and 5. The third seeds will expect Moreno’s experience to translate into another deep run.
Katie Fiso (USA)
Fiso enters Wuhan with momentum after a dominant Youth Nations League campaign. She helped USA win Stops 1, 2 and 4 in the Americas North conference, while also finishing third at Stop 5 and first again at Stop 6. With her prior experience leading USA to the title at FIBA 3x3 U18 World Cup 2023, Fiso will be one of the players carrying high expectations for a team aiming to retake their place at the top of of the FIBA 3x3 U23 World Cup Women's podium.
The stage is set in Wuhan. With top seeds, defending champions and rising talents all converging on the half-court, these eight players should have a major say in who lifts the champions' banner.
Stay Connected
Follow all the latest action from the FIBA 3x3 Cups tournaments throughout the 2026 season by visiting the official FIBA 3x3 website, where you can find the latest news, star players and everything you need to know. Fans can also keep track of the Event Calendar and the latest FIBA 3x3 Individual and Federation Rankings as teams and players continue their push toward the season finale.
Want to learn more about 3x3 basketball? Explore the official FIBA 3x3 Rules to understand the unique fast-paced format of the game, or discover the FIBA 3x3 Competition Structure to see how the discipline’s global pathway connects grassroots events, professional tours and world-class international competitions.
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