Team USA Roster Unveiled for World Cup
USA Basketball has announced its 12-player roster for the 2026 FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup, scheduled to take place from September 4-13 in Berlin, Germany. The team features a blend of experienced veterans and emerging talent, with seven athletes set to make their World Cup debuts. Managing director Sue Bird highlighted the importance of combining both seasoned players and new faces, stating that this mix brings out the best on both sides and provides valuable experience for younger players.
The national team is aiming for its 12th overall and fifth consecutive World Cup gold medal. The roster collectively holds 14 Olympic gold medals and nine World Cup gold medals. Head coach Kara Lawson will lead the team, assisted by Natalie Nakase, Nate Tibbetts, and Stephanie White. Scout coaches for the national team will be Jose Fernandez and Tia Jackson.
Key Players and Debuts
Among the players making their first appearance at the FIBA World Cup are Aliyah Boston, Paige Bueckers, Caitlin Clark, Napheesa Collier, Rhyne Howard, Angel Reese, and Jackie Young. These new additions will join returning veterans such as Kahleah Copper, Chelsea Gray, Kelsey Plum, Breanna Stewart, and A’ja Wilson.
Caitlin Clark, who was named MVP at the FIBA World Cup qualifying tournament in March, is expected to come off the bench, complementing Chelsea Gray’s point guard duties. Clark averaged 11.6 points and 6.4 assists per game during the qualifying tournament. Paige Bueckers, another debutant, averaged 10.6 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 2.2 assists in five games during the qualifiers, showcasing her versatility.
A’ja Wilson, the 2024 Paris Olympics MVP and 2022 FIBA World Cup MVP, is a central figure for Team USA. She currently leads the WNBA in points per game with 26.6 and blocks per game with 2. Breanna Stewart will make history by appearing in at least four World Cups, a feat achieved by only two other players in national team history, Sue Bird and Diana Taurasi.
Napheesa Collier, despite an injury that delayed her 2026 season debut until July 24, is averaging 18.3 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 1.5 steals. Angel Reese, known for her rebounding and defensive abilities, is averaging a career-high 16 points per game and is tied for first in rebounds per game with 11.7. Aliyah Boston, a force on both ends of the court, is averaging a career-high 16.9 points.
Tournament Schedule and WNBA Pause
The U.S. women’s national team will commence its group play against China on September 4. Following this, they will face Italy on September 6 and Czechia on September 7. The top team from each of the four groups will advance to the quarterfinals on September 10, while a play-in round for the remaining eight national teams will take place on September 8 and 9.
The semifinals are scheduled for September 12, with the World Cup final set for September 13. The WNBA season will observe a pause from August 31 to September 16 to accommodate the World Cup. The New York Liberty, for instance, will resume their regular season on September 18 against the Minnesota Lynx.
Chelsea Gray, a key floor general, brings deep experience from the WNBA and international play. Jackie Young is recognized for her two-way play, averaging 6.8 assists per game, placing her among the top facilitators in the WNBA. Rhyne Howard, a volume scorer, leads the WNBA in total 3-pointers with 91. Kahleah Copper, with her speed and quickness, is ranked fifth in the league in points per game with 21. Kelsey Plum, despite playing 14 games due to injuries, is averaging 23.3 points and 6.1 assists per game.
Source: eu.usatoday.com
Mason Reed
Sports reporter covering football, basketball and international competitions.