Canada Basketball has announced that Winnipeg’s Niyah Becker has been selected to represent Canada at the FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup 2026 Qualifying Tournament, scheduled for March 11–17, 2026 in Istanbul, Turkiye.
Becker, a Winnipeg product and graduate of Wake Forest University, continues to build an impressive international resume as part of Canada’s Senior Women’s National Team. The selection represents another milestone for the Manitoba athlete, who has emerged as one of the province’s top basketball exports while continuing to represent Winnipeg on the global stage.
Currently playing professionally in Japan with the Aisin Wings of the Women’s Japan Basketball League, Becker joined the club after beginning her professional career in Europe following her collegiate career at Wake Forest. She previously played in Slovenia and Spain and recently competed in the EuroCup with Latvian powerhouse TTT Riga before making the move to Japan.
Becker’s impact has been felt quickly with the Wings, where she has become a key contributor alongside Japanese national team star Ramu Tokashiki. The team is coached by fellow Winnipegger Burke Toews, a longtime professional coach in Japan. The unique situation has brought two Manitoba basketball figures together overseas.
“Two Winnipeggers in Japan is very uncommon, let alone on the same team — what are the odds?” Becker said in a recent interview. “I think it shows that basketball is worldwide. It doesn’t matter where you come from, it can take you anywhere. It’s a really great representation for Winnipeg and Basketball Manitoba that two Winnipeggers are out in Japan.”
Known for her versatility, work ethic and mobility as a forward, Becker has quickly earned the trust of her coaching staff in Japan. Toews noted that Becker’s all-around ability and approach to the game have made her a strong fit for the team, highlighting her willingness to put in extra work and continually improve her game.
Following her collegiate career, Becker has steadily progressed through Canada’s national team system and was part of Canada’s bronze medal performance at the 2025 FIBA Women’s AmeriCup. Her continued development at the professional level has helped earn her a spot on the roster for the upcoming World Cup qualifying tournament.
Canada will compete in the Turkiye Qualifier alongside host Turkiye, Hungary, Argentina, Japan and Australia. With Australia already qualified as the 2025 FIBA Women’s Asia Cup champion, the remaining three World Cup berths will be awarded to the highest-finishing teams following round-robin play.
Canada opens tournament play against host Turkiye on Wednesday, March 11, at 1:30 p.m. ET. All of Canada’s games will be broadcast live on TSN.
Canada enters the tournament ranked No. 7 in the latest FIBA World Rankings and is seeking its sixth consecutive appearance at the FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup, which will take place in Berlin, Germany, this September.
Senior Women’s National Team Roster:
- Kayla Alexander – Milton, Ont.
- Niyah Becker – Winnipeg, Man.
- Bridget Carleton – Chatham, Ont.
- Shay Colley – Brampton, Ont.
- Faith Dut – Surrey, B.C.
- Aaliyah Edwards – Kingston, Ont.
- Yvonne Ejim – Calgary, Alta.
- Sami Hill – Toronto, Ont.
- Shaina Pellington – Pickering, Ont.
- Kia Nurse – Hamilton, Ont.
- Merissah Russell – Ottawa, Ont.
- Tara Wallack – Surrey, B.C.
Source: https://basketball.ca/news/roster-announced-for-fiba-womens-world-cup-2026-qualifying-tournament