Three former UConn players will represent the United States at the 2026 FIBA World Cup. Paige Bueckers, Napheesa Collier and Breanna Stewart were all named to Team USA’s roster ahead of the tournament, which will run from Sept. 4-13 in Berlin, Germany.
“This is an incredibly talented group that has earned the opportunity to compete in Berlin,” USA Basketball Senior National Team managing director Sue Bird, another former Husky, said in a release. “Wearing a USA jersey is a privilege, and I know these
12 players will embrace that responsibility as we go after another gold medal. I can’t wait to see what this team accomplishes together.”
Stewart is the longest-tenured member of the group. She’s the only player who suited up at the 2016 Rio Olympics and will become just the fourth American player to compete in four World Cups, joining Bird (five) and Diana Taurasi (four).
Collier is set to appear in her first World Cup after missing the 2022 edition due to the birth of her daughter. She’s now one of the veterans on a young Team USA squad with two Olympic appearances under her belt.
Meanwhile, Bueckers will play in her first major tournament on the international stage. She made her US senior national team debut at the FIBA World Cup qualifiers in March, where she averaged 10.6 points, 2.8 rebounds and 2.2 assists in five games.
Bueckers and Collier will be the eighth and ninth UConn players to appear in a FIBA World Cup/Championship, joining Stewart (2014, 2018, 2022, 2026), Bird (2002, 2006, 2010, 2014, 2018), Taurasi (2006, 2010, 2014, 2018), Maya Moore (2010, 2014), Swin Cash (2010), Asjha Jones (2010) and Morgan Tuck (2018).
The rest of Team USA’s roster will feature Aliyah Boston, Caitlin Clark, Kahleah Copper, Chelsea Gray, Rhyne Howard, Kelsey Plum, Angel Reese, A’ja Wilson and Jackie Young. Kara Lawson will serve as head coach while Natalie Nakase, Nate Tibbetts and Stephanie White will be the assistants.
The Americans open the tournament with China on Sept. 4 before rounding out group play with Italy on Sept. 6 and Czechia on Sept. 7. The final is set for Sept. 13. The US has won the last four World Cups.
