The FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup 2026 is set to begin on Monday, September 7, with Team USA opening its Group D campaign against Czechia at 1:45 p.m. Central Time. Coverage will commence at 1:30 p.m. on TNT and continue on HBO Max, giving fans multiple platforms to follow the action.
Tournament Overview
The tournament format features a round‑robin group stage divided into four groups, after which the second‑ and third‑place teams from each pool advance to a Round of 12, leading into quarterfinals, semifinals and a championship game slated for September 13.
Caitlin Clark, the tournament’s qualifying MVP, enters the competition with a strong résumé, having posted a 5‑0 record in Puerto Rico with averages of 11.6 points and 6.4 assists per game. Her 2026 WNBA line shows 22.5 points, 3.9 rebounds, 8.4 assists and a 45.6 % field‑goal percentage, underscoring her role as a primary playmaker.
Roster Adjustments
Joining Clark on the roster are established stars such as Angel Reese, Breanna Stewart, Kahleah Copper, Jackie Young and Chelsea Gray, alongside emerging talents Paige Bueckers, Rhyne Howard, Napheesa Collier, Aliyah Boston and the newly added Kiki Iriafen.
Health concerns have forced the exclusion of A’ja Wilson and Kelsey Plum, prompting the inclusion of Sonia Citron and Kiki Iriafen as replacements. This reshaping adds depth and versatility to the squad as it prepares for the rigors of the schedule.
Under head coach Kara Lawson, the bench will be bolstered by assistants Stephanie White, Natalie Nakase and Nate Tibbetts, while scouts Jose Fernandez and Tia Jackson provide strategic insight from the sidelines.
Group D also contains China and Italy, placing the United States in a competitive pool that includes regional powers Germany, Spain and France in other groups, highlighting the global depth of the field.
With 36 matchups scheduled from September 8 through September 13, the tournament promises intense competition and high‑stakes drama as Team USA aims to capture the world title.