The United States women's national basketball team will step onto the court in Berlin on September 4, 2026, for the FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup, a tournament that offers the chance to claim a historic fifth straight world title.
A Balanced Roster Poised for Success
Because A'ja Wilson and Kelsey Plum are unavailable due to health issues, the roster blends veterans such as Breanna Stewart and Chelsea Gray with rising stars like Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese, creating a balance of experience and youth.
Sue Bird, managing director of USA Basketball, stresses that this combination of seasoned leadership and fresh talent is crucial for maintaining the team’s competitive edge.
Breanna Stewart, already a three‑time World Cup champion, leads the impact rankings thanks to her extensive international experience, dominant rim protection, and pivotal role in both offense and defense.
Supporting her are Napheesa Collier, whose two Olympic gold medals highlight her two‑way versatility, and Jackie Young, whose defensive prowess from the 2024 Paris Games adds depth, while Caitlin Clark, the MVP of the qualifying tournament, brings playmaking brilliance and scoring efficiency, and Chelsea Gray, a seasoned point guard with Olympic and World Cup experience, anchors the backcourt.
In the frontcourt, Aliyah Boston will start at center, a role made more demanding by Wilson’s absence, and Kahleah Copper, Paige Bueckers, and Angel Reese are expected to contribute scoring bursts and rebounding power from the bench, with Rhyne Howard’s consistent ten‑point output and Kiki Iriafen’s reliable production providing additional utility, while Sonia Citron’s proven scoring touch from earlier youth competitions adds depth.
The United States hopes to secure its fifth consecutive gold medal, with the competition running through September 13, a pursuit that underscores the squad’s quest for continued dominance on the world stage.