Road to Berlin: The U.S. Women’s Squad
The USA Basketball Women’s National Team unveiled its roster for the upcoming 2026 FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup, confirming that Napheesa Collier will represent the United States as a forward for the Minnesota Lynx. Collier’s inclusion marks her debut on a senior World Cup roster, though she previously captured a gold medal in a junior FIBA competition.
Alongside Collier, veteran star Breanna Stewart also makes the cut, adding experience and scoring depth to a squad that aims to defend its title. The roster was announced ahead of a tightly scheduled tournament that will run from September 4 through September 13.
Tournament Format and Schedule
The competition will be held in Berlin, Germany, where the United States will face China on September 4, Italy on September 6 and Czechia on September 7 in the group stage. Sixteen teams are divided into four groups, and the top teams from each group advance to the quarterfinals on September 10.
The tournament schedule coincides with a WNBA break, as the league will pause from August 31 to September 10, allowing the national team members to focus fully on preparation.
Games will be played in two venues: the 14,000‑seat Berlin Arena and the 9,000‑seat Max‑Schmeling‑Halle, both equipped to handle the influx of international fans and media.
Field of Contenders
Beyond the United States, the field includes traditional powerhouses such as Germany, Belgium, Australia, Nigeria, France, Spain, South Korea, Italy, Mali, Czechia, Turkey, Japan, Hungary and Puerto Rico, promising a competitive mix of styles and strategies.
With a blend of emerging talent and seasoned veterans, the U.S. roster is positioned to contend for the championship, and fans can expect a high‑stakes battle when the world’s best women’s teams converge in Berlin.