Basketball 3×3 is more than just a sport: it’s an expression of talent, youth, speed, and pure passion. The FIBA 3×3 U23 World Cup 2025 will be the stage where the most promising players on the planet showcase their present and project their future. From September 17 to 21, the city of Xiong’an, in China, will host 40 national teams arriving with dreams, hunger for glory, and the desire to make history in this discipline that keeps growing.

It will be the sixth edition of the tournament and, for the first time, it will take place in Xiong’an, a city seeking to establish itself as a hub of youth sports. The event will be broadcast live on the official YouTube channel of FIBA 3×3, allowing fans worldwide to experience every play, every basket, and every emotion of a competition that promises intensity from start to finish.

Favorites and title contenders

In the men’s bracket, all eyes are on Germany, the reigning champion and symbol of the golden era German basketball is experiencing. With players who already know what it means to succeed on this stage, they arrive determined to repeat their feat. But they won’t be alone: the United States is eager to avenge last year’s final loss, and France is betting on the energy of Rudy Ekwakwe, a 20-year-old talent already sparking excitement across the continent.

The women’s competition, meanwhile, promises an open battle. The United States dreams of breaking the curse and becoming the first country to defend the title. However, China emerges as a strong contender after earning a historic bronze in 2024, now led by JianPing Zhang. Europe is also in the mix, with powerhouses like France, the Netherlands, and Germany arriving with young rosters but plenty of ambition.

Rising stars to watch

The U23 World Cup is also a showcase for future idols. In the men’s bracket, Alex Fudge, with NBA experience, tops the list of players to watch, although he will face challenges from talents like German Denzel Agyeman and Mongolian Bolor-Erdene Gantsolmon. From New Zealand, Aidan Tonge promises to be another revelation, bringing strength and character to a competition that will serve as a springboard for new generations.

In the women’s tournament, the spotlight will be on Serena Sundell, recently drafted into the WNBA and ready to lead a renewed U.S. team. Alongside her are names like Elisa Mevius, an Olympic champion in Paris 2024 at just 21 years old, and Dutch player Liselot Kulk, who has impressed in the U25 Women’s Series. Philippines also has reasons to dream with Quinn Kacey Dela Rosa, a player poised to become an inspiration for thousands of fans.