The U.S. women's national basketball team has officially announced its formidable 12-player roster, poised to compete for glory at the 2026 FIBA Women's World Cup in Berlin, Germany. This selection brings together a dynamic blend of veteran prowess and rising talent, setting the stage for an exciting tournament.
Team USA Unveils Powerhouse Roster for 2026 FIBA Women's World Cup
On Thursday morning, August 6, 2026, during an exclusive segment on NBC's Today Show, Sue Bird, the esteemed managing director of Team USA, revealed the highly anticipated squad. Head coach Kara Lawson, also the head coach for Duke women's basketball, will lead this exceptional group of athletes. The roster boasts basketball luminaries such as four-time WNBA MVP A'ja Wilson and two-time MVP Breanna Stewart, whose experience and leadership will be invaluable. Complementing these established stars are the electrifying young talents of Caitlin Clark, Paige Bueckers, and Angel Reese, all making their mark in women's basketball.
Bird expressed immense confidence in the chosen players, remarking, "This is an incredibly talented group that has earned the opportunity to compete in Berlin. Wearing a USA jersey is a privilege, and I know these 12 players will embrace that responsibility as we go after another gold medal. I can't wait to see what this team accomplishes together."
Team USA's legacy in the FIBA World Cup is unparalleled, with nine victories in the last twelve tournaments, including an impressive streak of four consecutive titles. A'ja Wilson, who was named MVP of the 2022 tournament in Sydney, Australia, after averaging 17.2 points and 7.5 rebounds per game, will be a key player. This marks her first appearance for Team USA under Coach Lawson's leadership, who took the helm last September. Breanna Stewart's selection signifies her fourth World Cup appearance, placing her among an elite group of only three players to achieve this milestone for Team USA, alongside legends Sue Bird (five appearances) and Diana Taurasi (four appearances).
For the trio of Caitlin Clark, Paige Bueckers, and Angel Reese, this tournament represents their second call-up to the senior U.S. national team. They previously showcased their skills under Coach Lawson at the World Cup qualifying tournament in Puerto Rico this past March. Clark was particularly impactful, earning MVP honors after leading the Americans to a flawless 5-0 record, averaging 11.6 points and a tournament-best 6.4 assists per game.
The full roster for the 2026 FIBA World Cup includes:
- Caitlin Clark (Indiana Fever)
- A'ja Wilson (Las Vegas Aces)
- Angel Reese (Atlanta Dream)
- Paige Bueckers (Dallas Wings)
- Rhyne Howard (Atlanta Dream)
- Kelsey Plum (Phoenix Mercury)
- Kahleah Copper (Phoenix Mercury)
- Jackie Young (Las Vegas Aces)
- Breanna Stewart (New York Liberty)
- Napheesa Collier (Minnesota Lynx)
- Aliyah Boston (Indiana Fever)
- Chelsea Gray (Las Vegas Aces)
The tournament schedule kicks off for Team USA on September 4 with a group stage match against China. Subsequent games include Italy on September 6 and the Czech Republic on September 7, leading into the knockout rounds. Historically, Team USA holds an impressive 8-0 record against China, a 1-1 record against Italy, and a 2-0 record against Czechia. The WNBA season will observe a temporary hiatus for the duration of the World Cup, with the gold medal game scheduled for September 13 and WNBA play resuming on September 17.
Coach Lawson's tenure extends through the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles, a city that holds historical significance for U.S. women's basketball. Lawson herself was part of the gold medal-winning team in 2008 and served as an assistant coach for the 2024 gold medal team. She also led the Team USA 3x3 squad to a gold medal at the 2021 Tokyo Olympics, featuring Kelsey Plum, who was the tournament's leading scorer.
Lawson acknowledged the rigorous selection process, stating, "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. These 12 have earned it through their play and their consistency. I think that's what makes it even more special is the relationships that you have, and having worked with them in different capacities. I know what they're capable of, and I know that this is a group that's ready for the challenges that are ahead."
Assisting Coach Lawson in Germany will be a distinguished coaching staff including WNBA head coaches Stephanie White (Indiana Fever), Natalie Nakase (Golden State Valkyries), and Nate Tibbetts (Phoenix Mercury). Additionally, Dallas Wings head coach Jose Fernandez and Duke assistant Tia Jackson will contribute as scouts.
Basketball enthusiasts can catch all the action of the FIBA World Cup broadcast on TNT Sports and available for streaming on HBO Max.
This announcement not only highlights the remarkable talent within U.S. women's basketball but also signifies a strategic blend of experience and emerging stars, aiming to continue the nation's dominance on the international stage. The upcoming FIBA World Cup in Berlin promises to be a thrilling showcase of skill, teamwork, and competitive spirit. As these athletes prepare to represent their country, their dedication and pursuit of excellence serve as an inspiration to aspiring basketball players worldwide.
