Four groups of three teams each form the foundation of the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games 3×3 basketball tournament, according to tournament regulations outlined by FIBA Basketball.
Twelve men’s teams and twelve women’s teams compete in the opening round, playing two matches apiece against their group opponents. The top two teams from each group advance directly to the eight-team quarterfinal round, while the third-place finishers are eliminated from medal contention.
Once the group stage concludes, the knockout rounds dictate the path to the podium. According to the Dakar competition format (Bk3 N02A 1 0), quarterfinal winners advance to the semifinals, while losing teams exit the tournament. Semifinal victors move on to the gold medal match, whereas losing semifinalists contest the bronze medal game.
Poland wins women's title at Dakar 2026
Poland won the women's title at the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games, advancing out of Group D in second place before winning three consecutive knockout games. Senegal and Poland both captured gold medals in their respective tournaments, as detailed in official FIBA reports on the event.
Quarterfinal losses end a team’s medal hopes immediately under the Bk3 N02A 1 0 tournament rules. Defeat in the semifinals, however, preserves a path to the podium through the third-place playoff.
How teams qualify and compete for medals
How many teams qualify from each group in the 3×3 tournament?
The top two teams from each of the four groups advance to the quarterfinal knockout stage, while the third-place team is eliminated.
What happens to teams that lose in the semifinals?
Teams that are defeated in the semifinal round advance to the bronze medal game to compete for third place.
When are the semifinal and medal matches played?
FIBA scheduling places both the semifinal fixtures and the final medal matches on the same day.
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