Clark and Wilson head 12-player USA women’s squad for FIBA World Cup in Berlin

Caitlin Clark and A’ja Wilson were named to the United States women’s roster for the FIBA World Cup in Berlin, which runs from 4-13 September. Angel Reese and Paige Bueckers will join Clark in making World Cup debuts as part of the announced 12-player squad.

The Americans will be seeking a fifth consecutive FIBA World Cup title with a roster that combines established Olympic medallists and several newcomers. The squad includes Olympic medallists Breanna Stewart, Napheesa Collier, Chelsea Gray, Jackie Young, Kahleah Copper and Kelsey Plum alongside Wilson, while Rhyne Howard and Aliyah Boston will also make their tournament debuts.

“I’m so excited to announce the 2026 USA Basketball Women’s National Team,” Sue Bird, USA Basketball national team managing director, said. “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.” This is the first time USA Basketball has had a managing director choose the team; in the past it was a committee, and Kara Lawson will coach the squad.

Breanna Stewart will make her fourth World Cup appearance; Stewart is the third player in USA Basketball history to appear in four World Cup tournaments, joining Bird, who played in five, and Diana Taurasi, who also played in four.

Clark, Bueckers and Reese were members of the United States team that won a World Cup qualifying tournament in Puerto Rico in March. The WNBA will pause its season for nearly three weeks to accommodate the World Cup.

Sabrina Ionescu, who has been a regular on recent rosters, was left off this season’s team. Alyssa Thomas, who helped the Americans win gold at the Paris Olympics, has not taken part in any USA Basketball camps since, and Minnesota rookie Olivia Miles also has not taken part in any USA camps yet.

The United States will open World Cup pool play against China, Italy and the Czech Republic in Berlin from 4-13 September.