Angel Reese, Caitlin Clark, and Paige Bueckers headline the players selected to represent USA Basketball in the upcoming 2026 FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup qualifiers. Alongside Sonia Citron and Kiki Iriafen, this group will make their senior national team debuts during the tournament in San Juan, Puerto Rico.
The event, scheduled from March 11 to 17, features a six-team round-robin format that includes host nation Puerto Rico, New Zealand, Senegal, Italy, and Spain. Despite already securing a spot in the World Cup by winning the 2025 FIBA Women’s AmeriCup, Team USA will compete to maintain its momentum and cohesion ahead of the main event.
Preparation and Schedule Ahead of the Qualifiers
These emerging stars had the opportunity to train with the senior national squad last December at Duke University, refining their skills in a critical camp designed to build team chemistry. USA Basketball will open its qualifying campaign against Senegal on March 11 and will play a total of five matches through March 17.
The 2026 FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup itself is set for September 4 to 13 in Berlin, marking an important international competition where Team USA aims to defend its championship status.
The Significance of the Tournament for Team USA’s Future
This qualifying stage represents a pivotal moment for Team USA as it integrates new talent into international competition, signaling a transition toward fresh leadership on the world stage. With Angel Reese and her teammates stepping into these prominent roles, the team aims to sustain its dominance and prepare for the high-profile contest in Berlin later this year.
