The 2026 FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup will be staged in Berlin from September 4 to September 13, and Team USA is preparing to defend its title for a fifth consecutive year, a milestone that would cement its status as the most decorated nation in the tournament’s history.
The 12‑player roster is composed entirely of former NCAA Division I athletes who earned first‑round selections in the WNBA draft, illustrating the strong pipeline from college competition to the professional arena.
Aiming for a Fifth Straight Gold
Head coach Kara Lawson made late adjustments after the departures of A’ja Wilson and Kelsey Plum, bringing in Sonia Citron and Kiki Iriafen to preserve the team’s defensive flexibility and scoring balance.
Among the headline names are Breanna Stewart, the UConn all‑time leading scorer and 2016 No. 1 overall WNBA pick, and Caitlin Clark, who shattered the NCAA scoring record and entered the league as the top overall selection in 2024.
Additional standouts include Angel Reese, the Maryland‑LSU forward who led the SEC in scoring and rebounding, and Aliyah Boston, the 2023 No. 1 draft pick whose AP Player of the Year honor capped a national championship run at South Carolina.
Veteran experience is reinforced by players such as Kahleah Copper, a 2016 Olympic gold medalist and WNBA All‑Star, and Chelsea Gray, a four‑time WNBA champion who earned ACC Player of the Year honors at Duke.
The mix also features emerging talents like Paige Bueckers, the 2025 top draft pick who guided UConn to multiple titles and collected Wooden, Naismith and AP Player of the Year awards, as well as Jackie Young, the 2019 No. 1 draft pick who contributed to Notre Dame’s championship teams.
With a blend of seasoned Olympians and rising stars, the squad aims to convert its collegiate pedigree into global dominance, hoping to add a 12th overall gold medal to its record.