National basketball teams converged in Warsaw, Poland, today for the third day of competition at the 2026 FIBA 3x3 World Cup.
This tournament represents a significant expansion of the 3x3 format, bringing high-intensity international competition to a public urban setting. By utilizing a non-traditional venue, the event aims to increase the visibility of the sport beyond standard indoor arenas.
The action is centered at Parade Square, also known as Plac Defilad, located near the Palace of Culture and Science. This 10th edition [1] of the World Cup features a total of 40 national teams [2] comprising both men's and women's divisions [3].
The tournament began on June 1, 2026 [4], and is scheduled to run for seven days [5]. Organizers have planned a rigorous schedule consisting of 104 total games [6] to determine the world champions.
Athletes from across the globe are competing in the fast-paced version of the game, which uses half-courts and shorter shot clocks. The event continues to draw crowds to the heart of Warsaw as teams fight for positioning in the bracket.
Because the competition takes place in an open square, the atmosphere remains distinct from traditional basketball tournaments. The integration of the city's architecture with the sporting event provides a backdrop for the 40 nations [2] vying for the title.
“The 10th edition of the World Cup features a total of 40 national teams.”
The hosting of the 10th FIBA 3x3 World Cup in a prominent public space like Parade Square signals a strategic push by FIBA to move the sport toward a more accessible, street-culture identity. By centering the tournament in an urban hub, the organization is attempting to decouple the game from the requirements of full-sized arenas, potentially lowering the barrier for entry for smaller nations and increasing the sport's global footprint.
