Canada wins women’s gold and historic men’s silver at FIBA 3×3 AmeriCup
Canada excelled at the FIBA 3×3 AmeriCup 2026 in El Salvador. The women’s team reclaimed the gold by defeating the United States, while the men’s team earned its first silver medal. Both teams demonstrated impressive performances, advancing undefeated and building momentum for the upcoming Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games.
Canada completed a memorable FIBA 3×3 AmeriCup 2026 in San Salvador, El Salvador, with the women’s national team defeating the United States to capture gold and the men’s squad earning its first silver medal in tournament history.
The results marked a significant improvement from 2025, when Canada’s women finished as runners-up to the Americans and the men were eliminated before reaching the podium.
Both Canadian teams advanced through the group stage undefeated and reached their respective championship games, with the women’s title and men’s breakthrough providing momentum toward the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games.
Canadian women reclaim AmeriCup title with unbeaten run
Canada’s women’s team established itself as a contender early, opening with comfortable victories over host El Salvador and Venezuela.
Cassandra Brown recorded nine points and six rebounds in a 21-6 win over El Salvador, while Michelle Plouffe contributed eight points and eight rebounds in her return to the competition.
Paige Crozon then led Canada with seven points in a 21-7 victory against Venezuela, securing first place in Pool A with a 2-0 record.
The Canadians continued their strong form in the knockout rounds, defeating Chile 18-10 in the quarter-finals before eliminating Colombia 21-11 in the semifinals. Plouffe scored 11 points against Colombia to help Canada reach its second consecutive AmeriCup final.
The championship game brought another meeting with the United States, which had beaten Canada for gold the previous year.
After briefly falling behind in the opening minute, Canada took control of the contest and maintained its advantage. Crozon scored the winning basket to complete a 21-12 victory and return the Canadians to the top of the podium.
“I’m very proud of the progress we made every single game,” Crozon said. “We’re taking strides towards LA in 2028.”
Plouffe’s contribution extended beyond the championship game. She was named women’s tournament MVP and selected to the Team of the Tournament after leading all players with 42 points and a player value of 49.8.
Her sister, Katherine Plouffe, ranked among the competition’s top three in player value, while all four Canadian women finished inside the top 10 in that category.
Canadian men reach first AmeriCup final
Canada’s men’s team also delivered an unbeaten group-stage performance, beginning with a 21-8 victory over Trinidad and Tobago.
Connor Vreeken made an immediate impact in his national team 3×3 debut, scoring nine points. He followed with another nine-point performance in a 21-13 win over Mexico, helping Canada advance to the knockout stage.
The quarter-final against El Salvador proved more demanding. Playing against the hosts, Canada secured a narrow 21-18 victory behind Jérôme Desrosiers, who contributed eight points and five rebounds.
That result set up a semifinal rematch with Puerto Rico, the team responsible for Canada’s elimination at the same stage in 2025.
The Canadians reversed that outcome in another closely contested game. Vreeken scored the decisive two-pointer in a 21-18 win, sending the men’s program to its first FIBA 3×3 AmeriCup championship game.
Canada faced the United States in the final and recovered from an early deficit to close the gap to three points during the contest. However, the Americans maintained their advantage and secured a 21-15 victory.
Despite the defeat, Canada’s silver medal represented the best finish in the men’s team’s AmeriCup history.
“It feels awesome winning silver, making history. But we have a bigger goal,” Desrosiers said. “We’re trying to go to LA 2028 and medal in LA 2028.”
Vreeken also received individual recognition, earning a place on the men’s Team of the Tournament. He finished second overall in scoring with 39 points, player value at 48.8 and rebounds with 21.
Canada builds momentum toward Los Angeles 2028
Canada’s two podium finishes highlighted the progress of its national 3×3 basketball programs, with both teams demonstrating consistency across the group and elimination stages.
For the women’s squad, the championship marked a return to the top of the continental competition after last year’s defeat. The men’s silver, meanwhile, established a new benchmark for a program that had never previously reached the final.
Individual performances from Michelle Plouffe and Vreeken added to Canada’s accomplishments, with both players earning tournament honours.
The results provide another step in Canada’s preparations for Los Angeles 2028, where both national teams are targeting Olympic success.