Bueckers, Clark, Reese Debut for U.S. at World Cup
In a significant development for women’s basketball, players Paige Bueckers, Caitlin Clark, and Angel Reese are set to make their competitive debuts for the U.S. senior national team at the upcoming FIBA Women’s World Cup qualifying tournament. This tournament will take place in San Juan, Puerto Rico, from March 11 to March 17, 2026.
Bueckers, Clark, and Reese’s Milestone Debut
Bueckers, from the Dallas Wings, and Clark, representing the Indiana Fever, are the past two recipients of the WNBA Rookie of the Year award. Meanwhile, Reese of the Chicago Sky emerged from the same draft class as Clark in 2024. The roster also includes Oklahoma players Sonia Citron and Kiki Iriafen, who were drafted in 2025.
Team Composition and Recent Achievements
The lineup, announced by USA Basketball, features a mix of seasoned players and fresh talent. Notable inclusions are:
- Aliyah Boston (Indiana Fever) – 2023 WNBA Rookie of the Year
- Kahleah Copper (Phoenix Mercury) – Gold medalist at the 2024 Paris Olympics
- Chelsea Gray (Las Vegas Aces) – Gold medalist
- Kelsey Plum (Las Vegas Aces) – Gold medalist
- Jackie Young (Las Vegas Aces) – Gold medalist
- Dearica Hamby (Los Angeles Sparks) – Bronze medalist in 3×3
- Rhyne Howard (Atlanta Dream) – Bronze medalist and 2022 WNBA Rookie of the Year
Preparations and Future Prospects
The U.S. National Team has already qualified for the World Cup, following their victory in the 2025 AmeriCup. The FIBA World Cup will be hosted in Berlin from September 4 to September 13, 2026. The United States has a strong record in this tournament, having won it 11 times.
Prior to the qualifying matches, the team will undergo a training camp in Miami on March 7-8, 2026. Leading the charge is Duke women’s basketball coach Kara Lawson, who will step away from her collegiate duties temporarily. Lawson will be assisted by WNBA coaches Natalie Nakase (Golden State Valkyries), Nate Tibbetts (Phoenix Mercury), and Stephanie White (Indiana Fever).
Upcoming Games
The U.S. team’s schedule for the qualifying tournament includes:
- March 11: vs. Senegal
- March 12: vs. Puerto Rico
- March 14: vs. Italy
- March 15: vs. New Zealand
- March 17: vs. Spain
USA Basketball’s managing director, Sue Bird, will continue to assess player performance as they determine the final squad for the World Cup later in the year. This tournament offers the perfect platform for Bueckers, Clark, Reese, and their teammates to showcase their talent on an international stage.
