National pride is at stake when Singapore hosts the FIBA 3×3 World Cup Qualifier 2026 on 11 and 12 April at OCBC Square at The Kallang. Twelve teams – six men’s and six women’s – will get one last chance to earn a spot at the FIBA 3×3 World Cup 2026. Expect fierce and thrilling battles as only half of the teams will advance to the sport’s most prestigious competition in Warsaw, Poland in June.

The FIBA 3×3 World Cup Qualifier 2026, now in its fifth edition, will feature the highest-ranked teams in the FIBA 3×3 Federation Ranking that have not yet secured World Cup qualification, Zone Cup runners-up from the 2025 season and host nation, Singapore. This marks Singapore’s first participation in a FIBA 3×3 World Cup Qualifier. The men’s and women’s teams, buoyed by their recent historic qualification for 3×3 Basketball at the Commonwealth Games, will have their eyes set on making further history by qualifying for the FIBA 3×3 World Cup 2026.

Every Qualifier game will count when play begins at The Kallang on 11 April. Teams will have to finish in the top two positions in their pool to progress to the second round of the Qualifier. Winners of the second round of competition will automatically secure their spot in the FIBA 3×3 World Cup 2026 while the losing teams play a final game for one last opportunity to earn their ticket to Warsaw.

Men’s category

Czechia, seeded first in the competition and ranked 18th in the world, are placed in Pool A alongside Singapore and Brazil. The Singapore team, Southeast Asian (SEA) Games silver medallists, will face strong competition from their Czechia opponent, who have impressed in the U23 category. They achieved bronze at last year’s FIBA 3×3 U23 World Cup and will look to further establish themselves as one of the stronger teams in 3×3 basketball.

Štěpán Borovka from Czechia commented, “It is really important for us. Last year we showed that Czechia can achieve some serious results in 3×3. So we want to begin where we ended the last season and steal the one spot for the World Cup in Poland.”

“Participating in the FIBA 3×3 World Cup Qualifier tournament for the first time is a moment of great pride for all of us. For the team, it reflects the dedication, and belief in what we have been building together. To see Singapore step onto this stage for the first time is truly special – not only for our players, but for the entire basketball community. We are honoured to represent our flag on the international stage, and we will compete with heart and determination to show that Singapore belongs at this level,” said Singapore’s national 3×3 basketball head coach Lazar Rasic.

New Zealand, Italy and Egypt make up Pool B. New Zealand, world-ranked 21st, finished third at the FIBA 3×3 Asia Cup 2025 and will be playing on familiar grounds against close competitor, Italy who sits just one place below the Kiwis. Egypt is 48th in the world.

Women’s category

For the women’s competition, Singapore is grouped with regional rival Philippines and Brazil in Pool B. The home team stands a good chance to play through to the second round of the Qualifier. They are world number 20, with Philippines just above them in 19th and Brazil ranked 62nd. Both Singapore and Philippines did not advance to the semi-final at the last SEA Games and will be hungry for more success as they begin their 2026 season.

“Playing in the FIBA 3×3 World Cup Qualifier 2026 on home soil has always been an aspiration of ours. It is a testament to how far our game has come, especially for the women’s team. We will be facing some of the best teams in the world and this is an opportunity to test ourselves, to prove that Singapore belongs, and to inspire the next generation watching from the stands. We will compete with heart and pride as we take on the world together,” said Singapore’s player Jermaine Lim Jia Ying.

Pool A features Hungary, Egypt and Lithuania. Hungary is the highest-ranked qualifier at 13th in the world. They featured in the last FIBA 3×3 World Cup and ended their campaign with a 12th place finish. Egypt comes in at 37th while Lithuania is sandwiched between the two fellow qualifiers and ranks 22nd.

Egypt’s Asrar Maged is keen to make it count: “It always means something special to represent Egypt. Heading into the FIBA 3×3 World Cup Qualifier, we’re focused and determined. We’re ready to leave everything on the court, represent our country with pride, and earn our spot at the World Cup.”

Fans keen to be part of the 3×3 basketball action at The Kallang have one last opportunity to enjoy a 30 percent discount for a season pass to both the FIBA 3×3 Asia Cup 2026 and FIBA 3×3 World Cup Qualifier 2026. This early bird sale ends at 11.59pm on 3 March. From 10.00am tomorrow, 4 March, additional ticket categories across both events, such as individual session tickets and a FIBA 3×3 World Cup Qualifier pass, will be released, with discounts of up to 20 per cent available on selected tickets. Ticket prices start from $5 (excluding booking fee). Tickets can be purchased here.

Members of the public can also enjoy free entry to the first session on the first two days of the FIBA 3×3 Asia Cup 2026, on a first-come-first-served basis until full capacity is reached. Children under four years of age will also enjoy free entry to FIBA 3×3 Asia Cup 2026 and FIBA 3×3 World Cup Qualifier 2026, provided they do not occupy a seat.

Find out more information about the FIBA 3×3 Asia Cup 2026 here, while more information about the FIBA 3×3 World Cup Qualifier 2026 can be found here.