Wuhan, China (September 19, 2026) – Canada’s 3x3 U23 women’s national team captured its first-ever FIBA 3x3 U23 World Cup medal Saturday, earning silver after falling 15-10 to the United States in the final.

Mary-Anna Asare was named to the Women’s Team of the Tournament after leading the competition with 47 points. She also ranked second in the tournament in player value at 53.8.

The United States opened the final with a 5-2 lead before Canada responded behind a pair of baskets from Cyanne Coe. Canada took a 9-7 lead midway through the game, but the Americans answered with a late run to reclaim the advantage and secure the gold medal.

Canada entered the tournament for the first time after qualifying through the FIBA 3x3 Youth Nations League in July. The Canadians entered the World Cup as the No. 18 seed but quickly established themselves as a contender.

Canada opened pool play with a 19-15 win over Czechia, led by Asare’s seven points on 75% shooting. Hailey Franco-DeRyck added six points and four rebounds while shooting 100% from the field.

The Canadians followed with dominant wins over Poland and Chinese Taipei, defeating Poland 22-13 before cruising to a 21-9 victory over Chinese Taipei. Canada closed out pool play with a narrow 14-13 loss to defending champion Netherlands, finishing second in Pool B.

In the quarterfinals, Canada faced Australia in a tightly contested matchup. Australia took an 8-4 lead early, but Canada battled back and took the lead with less than three minutes remaining. With Australia in the penalty and Canada in the bonus, Myriam Koné converted a late opportunity to help seal a 19-16 victory and send Canada to the semifinals.

Canada then cruised past Latvia 21-8 in the semifinals, with Coe and Koné each scoring seven points. Coe and Asare also combined for 15 rebounds as Canada advanced to its first 3x3 U23 World Cup final.

The silver medal marks Canada’s first-ever medal at the FIBA 3x3 U23 World Cup.

After the final, Franco-DeRyck reflected on the team’s journey from first-time 3x3 players to World Cup finalists.

“This journey has been a whirlwind of emotions. Having never played 3x3 before the Nations League, I didn’t know what to expect.”, said Franco-DeRyck. “To think that some of the teams we faced have played together for years, while we just came together in China and made it to the final, shows our resilience and our willingness to buy into each other.”

As for Asare, the historic run was made even more meaningful by the connections she built along the way.

“I’m just grateful I was paired up with a group that means so much to me. My teammates were always picking me up, and we had such an amazing staff.”

“It’s always an honour to represent your country.”, Asare continued. “It was obviously not the result we wanted, but we fought as a team, picked each other up when we were down, and came up with a medal. It means so much to write history for Canada.”

Franco-DeRyck led the tournament with a staggering 50 rebounds. Koné finished seventh in scoring with 32 points and seventh in player value at 43.0. Coe rounded out the group, placing 10th in scoring with 30 points and 10th in player value at 41.0, while ranking third in rebounds with 33.