The 2026 FIBA World Cup kicks off in Berlin, Germany on September 4, where Team USA aims for their fifth consecutive and twelfth overall gold medal. The squad, featuring stars like Breanna Stewart, Napheesa Collier, Caitlin Clark, and Jackie Young, enters the tournament with a 30-game winning streak but faces significant challenges ahead.

Competing in preliminary rounds from September 4-7, Team USA is grouped with China, Italy, and Czechia. The Americans have not lost a World Cup match since 2006, but they will be without key players A'ja Wilson and Kelsey Plum, who withdrew for health reasons. This absence raises concerns, especially with a strong French team eager for redemption after nearly upsetting the Americans at the 2024 Paris Olympics.

Kara Lawson, Team USA's head coach, acknowledged the increasing competitiveness of global teams, stating, "The world is improving... I think it's going to be the most difficult World Cup to win that we've had."

Team USA Basketball Schedule

• USA vs. China: September 4, 8:15 a.m. ET, TNT/HBO Max
• USA vs. Italy: September 6, 2:45 p.m. ET, TNT/HBO Max
• USA vs. Czechia: September 7, 2:45 p.m. ET, TNT/HBO Max
• Quarterfinals: September 10
• Semifinals: September 12
• Final: September 13, 2 p.m. ET

Team USA Roster Highlights

• Aliyah Boston (F, Indiana Fever)
• Caitlin Clark (G, Indiana Fever)
• Breanna Stewart (F, New York Liberty)
• Napheesa Collier (F, Minnesota Lynx)
• Jackie Young (G, Las Vegas Aces)

Despite the youth of the roster, with seven players making their debut in a major tournament, the team boasts significant talent. The spotlight is on Caitlin Clark, Paige Bueckers, Aliyah Boston, and Angel Reese, who are expected to lead the charge.

As the tournament approaches, all eyes are on how Lawson will structure her lineup and whether the team can maintain their legacy amidst the evolving landscape of women's basketball.