New York Liberty star and WNBA legend Breanna Stewart is leading Team USA’s pursuit of a fifth consecutive FIBA World Cup title, and appears proud to represent the red, white and blue while doing it.
Stewart told OutKick what it means to represent her country in Berlin ahead of the Americans’ quarterfinal game against Hungary on Thursday.
“It feels great,” Stewart said. “I think that any time I can represent Team USA I want to. I’ve had the incredible opportunity of being able to do it for a long time and since I was really young, and every time I get the call I want to show up.”
Breanna Stewart of the USA challenges Manman Zhang of China during a FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup Germany 2026 match at Max Schmeling Halle in Berlin, Germany, on Sept. 4, 2026. (Getty Images)
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Stewart’s history with USA Basketball stretches back to 2009, when she competed at the U16 level as a 14-year-old. She has since won three Olympic gold medals and three World Cup championships. She was also named MVP of the 2018 World Cup.
A championship in Berlin would give Stewart a fourth World Cup title and extend one of the most dominant runs in sports history.
The U.S. went undefeated in group play, although its 55-52 escape against Italy exposed some vulnerability. Stewart then led the Americans with 19 points, seven rebounds and six assists in a 105-64 victory over Czechia.
She is averaging 10.3 points, 8.3 rebounds and three assists through three games.
Breanna Stewart of Team United States celebrates with her child during the Women’s basketball medal ceremony on day sixteen of the Olympic Games Paris 2024 at Bercy Arena on Aug. 11, 2024 in Paris, France. (Elsa/Getty Images)
Stewart’s enthusiastic answer about representing the country stood in contrast to comments from some American athletes during the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan and Cortina.
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Freestyle skier Hunter Hess said representing the U.S. brought “mixed emotions” because of the political climate and the Trump administration’s immigration enforcement policies.
“Just because I’m wearing the flag doesn’t mean I represent everything that’s going on in the U.S.,” Hess said.
President Donald Trump publicly criticized Hess over the remarks. Hess later clarified that he loved America and believed the freedom to criticize its government was one of the country’s strengths.
Fellow freestyle skier Chris Lillis also expressed concern about conditions at home while competing for Team USA.
“I feel heartbroken about what’s happening in the United States,” he said. “I’m pretty sure you’re referencing ICE and some of the protests and things like that. I think that as a country, we need to focus on respecting everybody’s rights and making sure that we’re treating our citizens as well as anybody, with love and respect.”
Napheesa Collier, Kahleah Copper, Breanna Stewart and Chelsea Gray of the USA Women’s National Team look on during a game against China at the FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup 2026 on Sept. 4, 2026, at Max-Schmeling-Halle in Berlin, Germany. (NBAE)
Stewart has not avoided political activism herself. She held an “Abolish ICE” sign before an Unrivaled game in January and has long spoken publicly about social justice and LGBTQ rights.
But when asked about wearing a Team USA uniform, Stewart did not hesitate to show pride for her national team. Her focus was on answering the call and continuing a run that began when she was a teenager.
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The Americans will face a Hungary team that defeated Japan 84-63 to reach the World Cup quarterfinals for the first time in 40 years. Team USA is three victories away from another championship—and Stewart remains eager to carry the flag through all of them.
