Spain Sets Sights on World Title Defense: 3×3 Men’s Squad Announced for Poland World Cup Prep

Spain enters the 2026 3×3 basketball season with a target on its back and a clear mission: keep the world crown in Madrid. Head coach Pedro Meléndez has officially activated the roadmap for the men’s national team, calling up a lean, high-powered group of ten players to begin the grueling preparation for the upcoming World Cup in Warsaw, Poland.

For the global basketball community, Spain’s dominance in the 3×3 format—a fast-paced, half-court version of the game—has become a benchmark of efficiency and tactical discipline. After securing a silver medal at the recent 3×3 Champions Cup, the Spanish squad is now pivoting toward the ultimate prize. The defense of their world title isn’t just about talent; it’s about maintaining a momentum that has seen the Spanish Basketball Federation (FEB) climb to eighth in the global federation rankings, boasting an impressive 6.5 million points.

The Road to Warsaw: A Two-Phase Strategy

The preparation for the World Cup is structured as a “technical stop” approach, designed to peak the players’ physical condition and chemistry just as they land in Poland. The first phase kicks off on May 11 at L’Alqueria del Basket in Valencia, where the team will concentrate from May 11 to May 14. This initial window serves as a strategic touchpoint to integrate the roster and establish the defensive schemes Meléndez intends to employ.

Following this first camp, the players will return to their respective clubs for a brief period before reconvening on May 25. This second, final concentration will act as the springboard for their departure on May 30 toward Warsaw. The tournament itself runs from June 1 to June 7, leaving the squad with a tight window to acclimate to the local conditions in Poland before the first whistle blows.

For those unfamiliar with the 3×3 format, it is a vastly different animal than traditional 5×5 basketball. With a 12-second shot clock and a game that ends at 21 points or 10 minutes, the intensity is relentless. There is no room for “feeling out” the opponent; every possession is a high-stakes event.

Roster Breakdown: The Mongolia Core and FIBA Elite

The ten-man roster selected by Meléndez is a blend of proven championship experience and elite individual ranking. Most notably, Spain is leaning heavily on the core that made history in Mongolia. Iván Aurrecoechea, Carlos Martínez, and Diego de Blas—all of whom tasted gold during the previous campaign—return to lead the charge.

The technical quality of this group is backed by hard data. Six of the ten selected players currently reside in the FIBA individual top 100 ranking, a testament to the depth of the Spanish talent pool. This individual excellence is the engine driving Spain’s standing as one of the world’s premier 3×3 nations.

The Official Call-Up List

• Iván Aurrecoechea (Valencia Basket 3×3)
• Carlos Martínez (Valencia Basket 3×3)
• Diego de Blas (Fuengirola 3×3)
• José Antonio Blázquez (Fuengirola 3×3)
• Gabriel Gil (Barcelona 3×3/Pando Mataró/Grupo Ureta Tizona Burgos)
• Ramón Vila (Barcelona 3×3/Pando Mataró/Grupo Ureta Tizona Burgos)
• Jordi Juanola (Barcelona 3×3/Pando Mataró)
• Jaume Zanca (Barcelona 3×3/Pando Mataró)
• Isaac Mayo (Fuengirola 3×3)
• Fallou Niang (Lausanne 3×3/Fibwi Mallorca Basquet Palma)

Group A: A Gauntlet in Warsaw

While Spain holds the title, the draw for the World Cup has presented them with a formidable challenge. Spain has been placed in Group A, a grouping that analysts are already calling a “Group of Death.” They will face off against some of the most physical and tactically fluid teams in the world:

• Serbia: Historically a powerhouse in 3×3, known for exceptional perimeter shooting and size.
• Australia: A team characterized by high athletic output and aggressive transition play.
• Austria: A disciplined side capable of upsetting favorites with structured set plays.
• Madagascar: An unpredictable opponent that brings speed and creativity to the court.

Navigating Group A will require more than just individual brilliance. The synergy between the Valencia-based players (Aurrecoechea and Martínez) and the Fuengirola contingent (De Blas, Blázquez, and Mayo) will be critical. The ability to swap lineups without losing defensive cohesion is where Spain can find a competitive edge.

The Support System: Beyond the Court

A world title defense is as much about medical and logistical precision as it is about basketball. Pedro Meléndez has assembled a comprehensive support staff to ensure the athletes remain peak-performance ready throughout the June gauntlet. The technical team includes:

• Raúl Fernández: Assistant Coach
• Felipe Barrera: Physiotherapist
• Miguel Ángel López Andrades: Team Physician
• Kavi Rupchand: Team Delegate

This holistic approach—combining elite medical oversight with strategic coaching—is a hallmark of the FEB’s recent success and reflects the professionalization of 3×3 basketball as it moves further into the global spotlight.

What to Watch For

As the team descends on Valencia this week, the primary storyline will be how Meléndez integrates the “new” blood with the championship core. While the Mongolia trio provides the psychological blueprint for winning, the inclusion of players like Fallou Niang adds a different physical dimension to the squad.

the efficiency of the “Taronja” players (those from Valencia Basket) will be under the microscope. Given that the first concentration is held at their home facilities, there is a natural advantage in terms of comfort and routine that the coaching staff will look to leverage.

The next confirmed checkpoint is the start of the first training camp on May 11 in Valencia. Expect roster updates and tactical previews as the team narrows its focus toward the June 1 tip-off in Warsaw.

Do you think Spain has the depth to survive Group A and retain the crown? Let us know your predictions in the comments below.