Caitlin Clark, Angel Reese, and Paige Bueckers are set to debut as members of the U.S. women’s national team in the upcoming World Cup. This talented trio will aim to secure the U.S.’s fifth consecutive FIBA World Cup title. They will join Olympic medalists A’ja Wilson, Breanna Stewart, Napheesa Collier, Chelsea Gray, Jackie Young, Kahleah Copper, and Kelsey Plum on the team.
A’ja Wilson, a four-time WNBA MVP, expressed her excitement about the opportunity to compete for a gold medal, saying, “It’s always good when you compete for a gold medal, it’s a big honor. It’s something I don’t take lightly. Time to go there and have some fun and also win.” Newcomers Rhyne Howard and Aliyah Boston will also debut in the World Cup to complete the team’s lineup.
USA Basketball national team managing director Sue Bird announced the 2026 team, noting, “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.” This marks the first time USA Basketball has appointed a managing director, rather than a committee, to select the team. Kara Lawson will coach the squad.
Breanna Stewart will join the ranks of notable players like Sue Bird and Diana Taurasi, making her fourth World Cup appearance. The U.S. will compete in pool play against China, Italy, and the Czech Republic from September 4-13 in Berlin. In response to the event, the WNBA will take a nearly three-week break in its season.
Caitlin Clark, Paige Bueckers, and Angel Reese previously contributed to the team’s success at a World Cup qualifying tournament in Puerto Rico in March. Although Sabrina Ionescu has been a significant part of the U.S. roster, she will not participate this season. Bird mentioned reaching out to various players, including Ionescu, who didn’t make the team. Bird remarked, “I think we can all agree the hardest part, which is a problem I would never trade, is that we have so much talent.”
Alyssa Thomas, who helped win gold at the Paris Olympics, and Minnesota rookie Olivia Miles, a leading candidate for WNBA Rookie of the Year, also won’t be participating this round due to lack of involvement in USA Basketball camps. Bird praised Miles, calling her “a tremendous player” and hinting at future opportunities for her in the team.
Leave a Reply