USA Basketball has announced its 12-player Women’s National Team for the 2026 FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup, with a star-heavy roster set to compete in Berlin from 4-13 September.
The squad features Aliyah Boston, Paige Bueckers, Caitlin Clark, Napheesa Collier, Kahleah Copper, Chelsea Gray, Rhyne Howard, Kelsey Plum, Angel Reese, Breanna Stewart, A’ja Wilson and Jackie Young.
USA Basketball says the group combines for 14 Olympic gold medals and nine World Cup gold medals, while seven players are set to make their World Cup debuts. The USA are chasing a fifth consecutive Women’s World Cup title and a 12th overall gold medal in the competition.
Managing director Sue Bird said the players had “earned the opportunity to compete in Berlin”, adding that wearing a USA jersey is a privilege and that the team will be going after another gold medal.
Copper, Gray, Plum, Stewart and Wilson return from the team that won the 2022 FIBA Women’s World Cup. Collier and Young also arrive with recent senior international success after winning Olympic gold at Paris 2024.
Boston, Bueckers, Clark, Collier, Howard, Reese and Young are listed as World Cup debutants, while Boston, Bueckers, Clark and Reese are set for their first USA appearance at a major senior international competition.
Kara Lawson will coach the team, assisted by Natalie Nakase, Nate Tibbetts and Stephanie White. USA Basketball says the Americans will open group play against China on 4 September, before facing Italy on 6 September and Czechia on 7 September.
The announcement gives the tournament one of its headline storylines, with established champions such as Wilson and Stewart joined by a new wave led by Clark, Bueckers, Boston and Reese.
Image/source note: featured image and roster details from USA Basketball’s official announcement.
Source: USA Basketball