USA Basketball named its final 12-player roster for the 2026 FIBA Women’s World Cup, scheduled for September 4-13 in Berlin. The team will include first-time World Cup participants Caitlin Clark, Angel Reese, Paige Bueckers, and Aliyah Boston, alongside seasoned Olympic medalists such as A’ja Wilson, Breanna Stewart, Napheesa Collier, Chelsea Gray, Jackie Young, Kahleah Copper, and Kelsey Plum [1, 2, 3].
Sue Bird, USA Basketball Women’s National Team managing director, announced the roster and emphasized the honor of representing the country. She said, "Wearing a USA jersey is a privilege, and I know these 12 players will embrace that responsibility as we go after another gold medal" [1, 2].
Kara Lawson will serve as head coach, assisted by Natalie Nakase, Nate Tibbetts, and Stephanie White. Lawson highlighted the depth of talent in the selection process, saying, "It's been a long process to whittle it down to 12 players, and I think that speaks to just the talent we have in our country across the board" [2].
Breanna Stewart is making history as only the third USA player to appear in four World Cups, joining Sue Bird and Diana Taurasi [1]. The USA team is seeking its fifth consecutive World Cup title and 12th overall championship [1, 2].
The roster includes two notable WNBA rivals, Clark and Reese, whose contentious college and professional history has drawn attention. Some fans find their pairing on the same team awkward, though both are expected to contribute to the national effort [3].
The WNBA will pause its season from approximately August 31 to September 16 to allow player participation in the World Cup [1, 2]. The tournament in Berlin will provide the official stage for the 2026 USA Women’s National Team as they aim to continue their dominant run in international competition [1, 2].
