BANGKOK (Thailand) – The knockout stage is set at the FIBA 3×3 Sponsor | Red Bull Champions Cup 2026 after an intense Day 2 of pool play at centralwOrld Square.
The United States women and Serbia men emerged as the standout teams of the day, both finishing 3-0 in their respective pools to secure top seeds heading into the Semi-Finals.
Day 2 also delivered one of the biggest surprises of the tournament, as hosts Thailand stunned Lithuania in a historic upset that reshaped the men’s Semi-Finals race.
MEN
Thailand’s historic upset
The most dramatic moment of the day came when hosts Thailand stunned Lithuania 21-15, marking the first time Thailand have defeated the European powerhouse.
Panthawat Techasamran delivered a sensational performance, scoring 14 points and knocking down six two-pointers to ignite the home crowd.
The result created a three-way tie at 1-2 in Pool A between Spain, Lithuania and Thailand. Spain ultimately advanced to the Semi-Finals due to the highest total points scored, while Lithuania and Thailand were eliminated.
Serbia stay perfect
Defending champions Serbia showed their championship pedigree by sweeping Pool A. They began the day with a hard-fought 20-18 victory over Lithuania, overcoming a late rally as Filip Kaluđerović led the scoring with 7 points.
Serbia then delivered another clutch performance against Spain, winning 21-17 in a physical contest that saw Stefan Milivojevic explode for 14 points. Spain briefly took the lead late in the game, but Serbia responded with composed execution down the stretch to complete the perfect pool run.
USA survive
The United States also secured their place in the Semi-Finals after holding off Australia 20-17 in a decisive Pool B showdown. The Americans built an early cushion, jumping ahead 11-5 midway through the game before Australia gradually clawed back behind Alex Higgins-Titsha.
Australia cut the deficit to 18-16 with just over a minute remaining, but the United States kept their composure down the stretch to close out the win and eliminate the Australians. The result sends the Americans into a semifinal clash with defending champions Serbia, setting up one of the most anticipated matchups of the tournament.
WOMEN
Canada stay strong in Pool B
Defending champions Canada also completed pool play unbeaten with a 20-13 victory over Thailand earlier on Day 2. After building an early lead, Canada held off a spirited comeback from the hosts behind Katherine Plouffe’s 6 points, finishing the pool stage 3-0.
Azerbaijan secure semifinal spot
Azerbaijan also turned heads in Bangkok, delivering a crucial 16-11 win over Spain to secure their place in the Semi-Finals. Led by Brianna Fraser’s 7 points, Azerbaijan controlled the pace throughout the contest while Spain struggled to find offensive rhythm.
USA complete perfect pool run
The United States continued their strong form by finishing unbeaten in Pool A, highlighted by a thrilling 21-18 victory over FIBA 3×3 World Cup 2025 champions Netherlands.
The Dutch battled valiantly despite playing with only three players, but USA’s Allisha Gray took over down the stretch, finishing with 11 points and scoring the decisive basket late in the game.
The Americans then closed their pool campaign with an 18-15 win over Australia, overcoming a physical contest as Gray again led the way.
SEMI-FINALS SET
With pool play complete, the Semi-Finals matchups are now confirmed for the final day of competition.
Women
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USA vs Azerbaijan
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Canada vs Netherlands
Men
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Serbia vs USA
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Netherlands vs Spain
WHAT’S NEXT
The FIBA 3×3 Champions Cup 2026 now heads into its decisive stage as the Semi-Finals and medal games will determine the champions in Bangkok. The Champions Cup winners each advance to the FIBA 3×3 World Cup 2027 and earn spots at the LA28 Cups-Based Olympic Qualifying Tournament.
FIBA