When Team USA takes the court for the 2026 FIBA Women's World Cup next month, the lineup will be stacked with some of the world's top talent.
It's official: Caitlin Clark, Paige Bueckers, Angel Reese, and Aliyah Boston will make their debut in a major international competition, joining veteran stalwarts A'ja Wilson, Breanna Stewart, and Napheesa Collier, among others on the star-studded roster. The tournament will take place from Sept. 4-13 in Berlin, and the WNBA will break from Aug. 31 until Sept. 16 so that players can participate.
The U.S. women's national basketball team is one of the most dominant teams in all of sports. They will be seeking a fifth straight World Cup championship, 12th overall, and haven't lost in international competition since the 2006 World Cup. This impressive record is a testament to the team's consistent excellence.
Head coach Kara Lawson will be making her major tournament debut, assisted by Natalie Nakase (Golden State Valkyries), Nate Tibbetts (Phoenix Mercury), and Stephanie White (Indiana Fever). Lawson has spoken highly of the team, saying, "It's great to have a team and to have a roster. It's been a long process to whittle it down to 12 players, and I think that speaks to just the talent we have in our country across the board. These 12 have earned it through their play and their consistency. I couldn't be more excited about working with each of them, and I've had good experience with each of them."
The 2026 FIBA World Cup marks a change in the schedule, as the tournament will take place after the WNBA season, in the November-December window, starting from 2030. This change will give players more time to recover and prepare for the tournament, potentially leading to improved performance.
USA Basketball Women's National Team managing director Sue Bird expressed her excitement about the team, saying, "This is an incredibly talented group that has earned the opportunity to compete in Berlin. 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."
The road to the 2026 FIBA Women's World Cup begins with the team's training camp, where they will fine-tune their skills and prepare for the tournament. The WNBA season break will give players a chance to focus on their international commitments, and fans can expect to see some exciting basketball in Berlin next month.
Source: CBS