Alimpijević Announces Serbia's World Cup Qualifying Roster: Jokić Leads the Eagles

Head coach Dušan Alimpijević has named an 18-man squad for the upcoming FIBA World Cup qualifiers, with Denver Nuggets superstar Nikola Jokić headlining a roster that blends experience and emerging talent.

Belgrade, Serbia – June 17, 2026: Dušan Alimpijević, the head coach of Serbia's men's national basketball team, has announced the roster of 18 candidates for the upcoming FIBA World Cup qualification window. The list, released by the Basketball Federation of Serbia, is headlined by Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokić, the three-time NBA Most Valuable Player and the cornerstone of the national team's ambitions.

The squad features a mix of established stars and promising young players. Alongside Jokić, the roster includes experienced guards Vasilije Micić and Aleksa Avramović, as well as a strong contingent from Serbia's top domestic clubs. Crvena zvezda is well represented with Stefan Miljenović, Ognjen Dobrić, Nikola Đurišić, and Dejan Davidovac, while Partizan's Arijan Lakić also earns a place. The list also features several players based abroad, including Nikola Jović of the Miami Heat and Tristan Vukčević of the Washington Wizards.

The full roster is as follows: Vasilije Micić (Hapoel), Aleksa Avramović (Dubai), Stefan Miljenović (Crvena zvezda), Jovan Novak (King Szczecin), Arijan Lakić (Partizan), Filip Barna (FMP), Ognjen Dobrić (Crvena zvezda), Nikola Đurišić (Crvena zvezda), Nemanja Dangubić (Dubai), Dejan Davidovac (Crvena zvezda), Stefan Momirov (Spartak), Tristan Vukčević (Washington), Nikola Tanasković (Budućnost), Nikola Jović (Miami), Strahinja Gavrilović (Igokea), Nikola Jokić (Denver), Dušan Ristić (Kawasaki Brave Thunders), and Uroš Plavšić (Bordeaux).

Serbia will play two matches to complete the first phase of World Cup qualification. On July 2, they will face Switzerland away in Fribourg, followed by a home match against Bosnia and Herzegovina in Belgrade on July 6. The team will gather for preparations on June 22, with a closed-door friendly against the Czech Republic scheduled for June 27 in Belgrade.

The qualification standings are finely poised. Turkey currently leads Group C with eight points, followed by Serbia and Bosnia and Herzegovina with six each. Switzerland sits at the bottom with four points. The three best-placed teams from each group will advance to the second phase of qualification for the 2027 World Cup, making every match crucial.

Alimpijević's coaching staff includes Vladimir Jovanović, Ognjen Stojaković, Milenko Bogićević, and Tomislav Tomović, with a full support team of strength and conditioning coaches, medical staff, and physiotherapists. The announcement of the roster marks the beginning of the team's preparation for a crucial period in their World Cup campaign.

With Jokić leading the team and a blend of experience and youth surrounding him, Serbia will be confident of securing the results needed to advance. The matches against Switzerland and Bosnia and Herzegovina will test the team's depth and cohesion, but the ambition is clear: to qualify for the World Cup and compete at the highest level.