# USA women's basketball World Cup roster

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/usa-womens-basketball-world-cup-roster
> Updated: 2026-08-07T14:00:00.000Z. Sources: 61. Developments: 2.

USA Basketball has confirmed a 12-player roster for the 2026 FIBA Women’s World Cup in Berlin. Managing director Sue Bird announced the squad, which will be led by head coach Kara Lawson. The roster combines veterans like A’ja Wilson, Breanna Stewart, Napheesa Collier, Chelsea Gray, Kelsey Plum, Jackie Young, Kahleah Copper, and Rhyne Howard with newcomers including Caitlin Clark, Paige Bueckers, Angel Reese, and Aliyah Boston.

Notably, New York Liberty star Sabrina Ionescu was omitted from the final selection. Ionescu expressed disappointment regarding the decision but maintained her commitment to future goals.

The United States begins group play on 4 September against China, followed by matches against Italy on 6 September and the Czech Republic on 7 September. The tournament coincides with a WNBA hiatus scheduled from 31 August to 16 September. Team USA aims to secure a fifth consecutive World Cup gold medal.

Amidst the roster announcement, Caitlin Clark has addressed the intense scrutiny and pressure following her professional rise, noting the challenges of managing high public expectations while remaining authentic. Additionally, recent media attention has drawn statistical comparisons between Clark and teammate Kelsey Mitchell regarding their performance in clutch WNBA situations.

## Claims

- The team is targeting a fifth consecutive World Cup gold medal. (disputed by 14 sources)
- USA Basketball aims for a sixth consecutive World Cup gold medal. (disputed by 5 sources)
- USA Basketball announced a 12‑player roster for the 2026 FIBA Women’s World Cup in Berlin. (corroborated by 14 sources)
- The roster includes veterans A’ja Wilson and Breanna Stewart. (corroborated by 14 sources)
- First‑time World Cup players on the roster include Caitlin Clark, Angel Reese, Paige Bueckers, Aliyah Boston, and others. (corroborated by 14 sources)
- Sue Bird is the managing director of USA Basketball’s women’s national team. (corroborated by 14 sources)
- Kara Lawson is the head coach of the USA women’s national team. (corroborated by 14 sources)
- Team USA will open group play against China on September 4, 2026. (corroborated by 12 sources)
- The WNBA season will pause from August 31 to September 16 for the World Cup. (corroborated by 10 sources)
- The 2026 FIBA Women’s World Cup will be held in Berlin, Germany from September 4‑13, 2026. (corroborated by 10 sources)

## Timeline

### 2026-08-07: USA Basketball announces 2026 Women's World Cup roster

USA Basketball has announced its 2026 FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup roster, featuring stars Caitlin Clark and Paige Bueckers, while omitting Sabrina Ionescu.

7 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/usa-basketball-announces-2026-womens-world-cup-roster-featuring-caitlin-clark-and-paige-bueckers

### 2026-08-05: USA Basketball names 12-player roster for 2026 FIBA Women’s World Cup

USA Basketball unveiled a 12‑player roster for the 2026 FIBA Women’s World Cup in Berlin, mixing veterans A’ja Wilson and Breanna Stewart with newcomers Caitlin Clark, Angel Reese and Paige Bueckers. The team,

58 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/seattle-storm-vs-new-york-liberty-wnba-matchup-preview-and-betting-odds

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Cite as: USA women's basketball World Cup roster. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/usa-womens-basketball-world-cup-roster