FIBA World Cup: Team USA's WNBA stars eye gold with Caitlin Clark, Angel Reese in action

The FIBA Women’s World Cup is set to get underway on Friday, September 4, with 16 teams participating from around the world.

The World Cup has put the buzzing WNBA season on hold for a two-week break, at a time when the playoffs were just around the corner.

The world is keen to see who lifts the trophy on September 13 and if Team USA will be able to defend its title for the fifth straight time.

Amid all the buzz surrounding the FIBA Women's World Cup, the two WNBA sensations have been making headlines for joining hands to help Team USA secure the title glory.

Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese have put their rivalry aside and are now in action together on-court as Team USA starts their World Cup run in opener against China on Friday, September 4.

With the WNBA on hiatus, here's what to expect from Team USA at the FIBA Women’s World Cup.

The FIBA Women’s World Cup is held after a hiatus of four years and features the world's best national teams to compete for the ultimate glory.

Remember, Team USA, being the title holder of four times is the strongest contender of all 16 participating teams.

The winner of this tournament will in return get a ticket to the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.

The 16 teams are divided into four groups.

• Group A: Germany, Spain, Japan, Mali

• Group B: France, Nigeria, South Korea, Hungary

• Group C: Australia, Belgium, Puerto Rico, Turkey

• Group D: USA, China, Italy, Czechia

The Team USA is led by head coach Kara Lawson, with Stephanie White, Nate Tibbetts and Natalie Nakase as assistants.

Team USA consists of 12 roster spots, which include:

Aliyah Boston, Indiana Fever

Paige Bueckers, Dallas Wings

Sonia Citron, Washington Mystics

Caitlin Clark, Indiana Fever

Napheesa Collier, Minnesota Lynx

Kahleah Copper, Phoenix Mercury

Chelsea Gray, Las Vegas Aces

Rhyne Howard, Atlanta Dream

Kiki Iriafen, Washington Mystics

Angel Reese, Atlanta Dream

Breanna Stewart, New York Liberty

Jackie Young, Las Vegas Aces

Following an opening match against China, Team USA will face Italy on Saturday, September 5, before a showdown with the Czech Republic on Monday, September 7, 2026.