Good news for WNBA fans as Caitlin Clark era is all set to begin with Team USA and the moment has finally arrived. Clark, Angel Reese and Paige Bueckers will make their FIBA Women’s World Cup debuts as the United States begin their title defence in Berlin, with the trio forming the headline act of a star-studded roster. USA are chasing a fifth consecutive World Cup gold medal. Clark arrives in Germany with plenty of momentum after starring in the qualifying tournament earlier this year, where she was named MVP, while Reese gives the USA another major interior presence. For a team that has dominated this competition for years, however, this World Cup feels different. Nine players on the current 12-member roster are set to make their World Cup debuts, according to FIBA.
However, the biggest talking point is not just the arrival of Clark and Reese, but the players who will be missing out. A’ja Wilson and Kelsey Plum, both two-time World Cup winners, have been ruled out because of health issues, forcing USA Basketball to make late changes to the roster. Sonia Citron and Kiki Iriafen have been brought into the squad, leaving Breanna Stewart, Napheesa Collier, Chelsea Gray, Kahleah Copper, Rhyne Howard, Jackie Young and Aliyah Boston to provide the experience around the younger stars. Team USA is a fantastic mix of established champions and players stepping onto the biggest international stage for the first time.
FIBA Women’s World Cup 2026: Caitlin Clark, Angel Reese Headline Team USA
Clark, Reese and Bueckers are the names likely to drive the biggest interest around Team USA, particularly in the United States. Clark and Bueckers already have a history together at FIBA youth level, while Reese brings a completely different dimension to the frontcourt. Clark was the standout performer during USA’s qualifying campaign, averaging 11.6 points and 6.4 assists per game, while Reese led the team in rebounds during that tournament.
What is the United States Women’s National Basketball Team Roster?
The updated 12-player Team USA roster is Aliyah Boston, Paige Bueckers, Caitlin Clark, Napheesa Collier, Kahleah Copper, Chelsea Gray, Sonia Citron, Rhyne Howard, Kiki Iriafen, Angel Reese, Breanna Stewart and Jackie Young. Kara Lawson remains the head coach, with USA opening their FIBA Women’s World Cup campaign against China on September 4 before facing Italy and Czechia.
| Position | Player | WNBA Team |
|---|---|---|
| Guards | Paige Bueckers | Dallas Wings |
| Caitlin Clark | Indiana Fever | |
| Chelsea Gray | Las Vegas Aces | |
| Rhyne Howard | Atlanta Dream | |
| Sonia Citron | Washington Mystics | |
| Jackie Young | Las Vegas Aces | |
| Forwards | Kahleah Copper | Phoenix Mercury |
| Angel Reese | Atlanta Dream | |
| Breanna Stewart | New York Liberty | |
| Kiki Iriafen | Washington Mystics | |
| Centers | Aliyah Boston | Indiana Fever |
| Napheesa Collier | Minnesota Lynx |
A’ja Wilson And Kelsey Plum Miss FIBA Women’s World Cup
Wilson’s absence is particularly significant. The 2022 World Cup MVP and 2024 Olympic MVP had been expected to be one of the central figures in USA’s title defence, while Plum was another experienced member of the championship-winning core. Both have now been replaced because of health concerns. Even without them, USA remain the team to beat, but their absence puts greater responsibility on Stewart, Clark and the rest of the roster as the Americans chase another World Cup title.
