Overview
- USA Basketball finalized the 12-player squad on Thursday, Aug. 6, 2026, naming Caitlin Clark, A'ja Wilson, Breanna Stewart and a group of WNBA stars to the team going to Berlin.
- The roster blends five returnees with international experience and seven World Cup debutants, a balance Sue Bird and coach Kara Lawson said they chose to combine experience with youth.
- Atlanta Dream teammates Angel Reese and Rhyne Howard were both selected, marking the first time two Dream players will represent the U.S. together on a 5-on-5 World Cup roster.
- Several notable WNBA players were left off the team — including Sabrina Ionescu and Olivia Miles — prompting questions about fit, camp participation and recent injuries.
- The World Cup runs Sept. 4–13 in Berlin and the WNBA will pause for the tournament, a schedule break that forces clubs to manage player minutes, health and playoff preparation.