The United States Women’s National Basketball Team has been unveiled for the 2026 FIBA Women’s World Cup, scheduled to take place in Berlin from September 4 to 13. Twelve WNBA stars will wear the red, white and blue with the explicit goal of securing a fifth straight world‑cup gold medal, a streak that would bring the nation’s total to twelve championship titles.
Head coach Kara Lawson will guide a squad that blends veteran championship experience with fresh talent. Returning stalwarts such as Breanna Stewart and A’Ja Wilson, who captured gold at the 2022 World Cup and the 2024 Paris Olympics, are joined by rising phenoms Caitlin Clark and Paige Bueckers, each of whom will make their senior international debut. The roster also features Collier and Young, both seeking a second major title within three years.
The tournament will open with a clash against China on September 4, a matchup that carries an 8‑0 all‑time record in World Cup play for the United States. Group play will also pit the Americans against Italy and Czechia, opponents against whom the USA holds a 1‑1 record against Italy and a 2‑0 record against Czechia, with the most recent encounter dating back to 1979 for Italy and 2010 for Czechia. The competition format includes group stages, a play‑in round, quarterfinals, semifinals and a final slated for September 13.
A historic pursuit
Supporting Lawson are assistant coaches Natalie Nakase, Nate Tibbetts and Stephanie White, alongside scout coaches Jose Fernandez and Tia Jackson. Their combined expertise spans decades of professional and collegiate basketball, aiming to fine‑tune a team that boasts 58 WNBA All‑Star selections, 16 WNBA championships and seven Rookie‑of‑the‑Year awards, highlighted by Stewart and Wilson’s combined six MVP honors.
Beyond the court, the event marks a milestone for global women’s basketball, drawing attention to the sport’s growing visibility and the United States’ continued dominance. As the world watches, the team’s pursuit of another gold will be measured not only by medals but by the inspiration it generates for the next generation of players.