The 2026 FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup has officially tipped off in Berlin with Team USA entering as the heavy favorites to capture a fifth consecutive gold medal.
Head coach Kara Lawson leads a talent-packed roster blending proven legends with elite young stars maintaining the program’s standard of dominance as they defend a 30-game winning streak in the FIBA World Cup.
Veteran leadership and roster reshuffle
New York Liberty star Breanna Stewart captains the squad alongside fellow Olympic gold medalists Napheesa Collier, Kahleah Copper, Chelsea Gray and Jackie Young.
USA Basketball adjusted its original lineup following last-minute withdrawals from superstars A’ja Wilson and Kelsey Plum due to health and injury management.
Washington Mystics rookies Sonia Citron and Kiki Iriafen stepped up to fill the remaining roster spots adding depth and youth to the frontcourt and guard positions.
A new generation of superstars debuts
This tournament marks an exciting international showcase as seven American players make their senior World Cup debuts.
High-profile WNBA stars Caitlin Clark, Angel Reese, Paige Bueckers and Aliyah Boston are joining forces on the global stage for the first time.
Fans are eager to see these former college rivals combine their playmaking and rebounding skills under the USA banner.
The road to the World Cup title
Team USA opens Group D play against a formidable China squad, setting up a high-stakes rematch of the 2022 World Cup final. Rounding out the group stage are matchups against Italy and Czechia.
With ten Olympic titles and eleven World Cup golds already in the trophy case, the Americans are poised to maintain their reign atop international women’s basketball.
