All you need to know: FIBA 3x3 Europe Cup Qualifier 2026

Ireland’s men’s and women’s teams begin their FIBA 3x3 Europe Cup journey tomorrow evening in Kosovo, here’s all you need to know before watching our squads take to the court!

What is the FIBA 3x3 Europe Cup?

The FIBA 3x3 Europe Cup is the European Championships of basketball's 3x3 format. It brings together 12 teams who qualify for the tournament either through their FIBA World Ranking or through qualifying events throughout the year. 

This September will be the 11th edition of the competition, taking place in Antwerp, Belgium.

The 3x3 basketball format is a fast-paced game played on a half-court, three players per team, with a 12 second-shot clock for 10 minutes. The winning team is the first to 21-points or the team with the most points when the 10-minute period is up.  

The qualifiers allow only one team to qualify per gender. The men’s format allows the top two teams in the groups to advance to the semi-finals, where ultimately the winner of the final goes to Antwerp. The women’s format is slightly different, where the competition will be played in a single round-robin pool, with the top team securing qualification.

You can find the competition portal here.

How did Ireland do in 2025?

The Ireland men’s team won three out of four matches in the 2025 qualifiers in Kosovo. A win and a loss in the group gave Ireland enough points to advance to the semi-finals, where the Irish won 21-12 in a commanding victory against Kosovo. Ireland overcame Cyprus in the final, winning 21-19 in a game which saw all four players put scores on the board and land Ireland's men in the FIBA 3x3 Europe Cup for the first time.

The Irish women’s team were dealt a tough group in the qualifiers, playing against Cyprus and Malta, who both finished in podium positions. Ireland were narrowly beaten by Cyprus in the opening fixture, losing 18-16 in a game which saw Lynn Tunnah and Erin Maguire combine for 13 points. The next match ended 19-8 in Malta’s favour, meaning Ireland narrowly missed out on qualifying for the finals.

Copenhagen played host to the FIBA 3x3 Europe Cup in 2025, where the Ireland men’s team were drawn against Latvia and the Netherlands in Pool C. Ireland fell short against Latvia in the opening game, losing 21-7 to the eventual silver medallists. Next up was the Netherlands, where Ireland came out the wrong side of a 21-13 scoreline.

Jordan Blount's free throw against Cyprus at the FIBA 3x3 Europe Cup Qualifiers 2025

Who are in the squads?

Claire Melia will make her first appearance in a 3x3 event for Ireland since 2024, following a strong season with BAXI Ferrol. The Domino's Women's Super League Young Player of the Year Hazel Finn has also been included after a standout year for Trinity Meteors. Maura Fitzpatrick is the only returning player from the 2025 women’s team after scoring 6 points in last year's qualifiers. Abigail Rafferty is also included in Niamh Dwyers squad, having already competed for Ireland at the FIBA 3x3 Nations League. 

Darren McGovern has selected Jordan Blount and Matt Treacy to return to the four-man squad for 2026 after their success in the FIBA 3x3 Europe Cup Qualifiers last year. Ryan Leonard of Limerick Sport Eagles will be a strong edition to the squad after a brilliant Domino's Men's Division One win. Ireland U23 3x3 international Jamie Muldowney and Lucien Christofis - who recently played for Arkanes in Iceland - look to boost the squad in Kosovo. 

You can find more player information here.

Who are in Ireland’s Groups?

Men’s – Pool A - Ireland, Cyprus, Kosovo

Women’s – Pool B - Ireland, Kosovo

Ireland's Fixtures

Men

Ireland v Cyprus, 2:15pm

Ireland v Kosovo, 6:10pm

Women

Ireland v Kosovo, 6:35pm

Ireland versus USA in FIBA 3x3 World Series, 2025