The United States women's basketball team revealed the squad with which it will seek to defend the title at the 2026 Women's Basketball World Cup, which will be held in Berlin from September 4 to 13. The call is led by Caitlin Clark, Paige Bueckers and Breanna Stewart, while the big surprise was the absence of Sabrina Ionescu.
Team USA, which has dominated the international scene for years, will once again start as the main favorite to win a new world championship.
Caitlin Clark will have her first World Cup with the United States
After being left out of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, Caitlin Clark will play in a World Cup for the first time with the United States senior team.
The Indiana Fever star is part of a new generation of players making their World Cup debut, along with Paige Bueckers, Aliyah Boston, Napheesa Collier, Rhyne Howard, Angel Reese and Jackie Young.
The presence of these figures reflects the renewal of the team without losing the objective of remaining at the top of international basketball.
Sabrina Ionescu, the great absence of the call
The decision that drew the most attention was the exclusion of Sabrina Ionescu, considered one of the main figures in the WNBA.
Although USA Basketball did not detail the reasons for his absence, his name stands out among the casualties of a squad that combines experience with young stars.
In contrast, players like Breanna Stewart, A'ja Wilson, Chelsea Gray, Kelsey Plum and Kahleah Copper will provide leadership to a group accustomed to competing for international titles.
Breanna Stewart expands her legacy with Team USA
The call-up also represents a new chapter in the career of Breanna Stewart, who will play in her fourth World Cup with the American team.
The New York Liberty forward, three-time Olympic champion and three-time world champion, will become one of the few players from the United States to have participated in at least four editions of the tournament.
For her part, A'ja Wilson, chosen as the Most Valuable Player of the 2022 World Cup, will once again be one of the great references of the team.
Sue Bird confident of another title for the United States
The general director of the women's team, Sue Bird, highlighted the talent of the chosen group and the commitment that wearing the national shirt represents.
"This is an incredibly talented group that has earned the opportunity to compete in Berlin. Wearing the United States jersey is a privilege, and I know that these 12 players will assume that responsibility as we seek another gold medal," declared the former player.
The United States will seek to expand its global dominance
Team USA arrives at the 2026 Women's Basketball World Cup with the goal of winning a new championship and extending a period of dominance that has made it the most successful team in the tournament.
Located in Group C, the United States will face China, Italy and the Czech Republic during the group stage, with their sights set on lifting a new trophy.
The 12 called are Aliyah Boston, Paige Bueckers, Caitlin Clark, Napheesa Collier, Kahleah Copper, Chelsea Gray, Rhyne Howard, Kelsey Plum, Angel Reese, Breanna Stewart, A'ja Wilson and Jackie Young, under the direction of Kara Lawson.
With a combination of experience and new figures from the WNBA, the United States will try to retain the championship and once again confirm its status as a power in world women's basketball.
