The WNBA season has taken a pause, shifting the spotlight to Caitlin Clark and Team USA as they embark on their quest in the 2026 FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup. This prestigious tournament will commence on Friday, September 4, in Berlin, Germany, and will run until September 13.
Team USA boasts a formidable roster filled with WNBA talent, including two-time MVP Breanna Stewart and standout players like Angel Reese, Paige Bueckers, and A'ja Wilson. The depth of the squad is impressive, featuring stars such as Sonia Citron, Kiki Iriafen, Rhyne Howard, Kahleah Copper, Napheesa Collier, Aliyah Boston, Chelsea Gray, and Jackie Young. Under the guidance of Duke women's basketball head coach Kara Lawson, the team will also have WNBA coaches Stephanie White, Natalie Nakase, and Nate Tibbetts assisting on the bench, while scouts Jose Fernandez and Tia Jackson will provide additional support.
The tournament format mirrors that of soccer’s FIFA World Cup, starting with a preliminary round-robin group stage. The 16 participating teams are divided into four groups, each containing four teams. The top team from each group will advance directly to the quarterfinals, while the second and third-place teams will move on to a Round of 12. In total, the tournament will feature 36 games, including a third-place match.
Team USA is placed in Group D alongside China, Italy, and Czechia. The Americans have a storied history in the FIBA World Cup, having claimed 11 titles, including nine of the last 12 tournaments and four consecutive championships. A'ja Wilson, who was named the MVP of the previous tournament in Sydney in 2022, averaged 17.2 points and 7.5 rebounds per game, showcasing the caliber of talent on this squad.
Caitlin Clark, who was named MVP of the World Cup qualifying tournament held in Puerto Rico earlier this year, will make her senior World Cup debut against China. During the qualifiers, Clark averaged 11.6 points and led the tournament with 6.4 assists per game, helping Team USA secure a perfect 5-0 record.
Fans eager to watch Clark and Team USA can tune in at 7:15 a.m. CT on Friday, with coverage starting at 7 a.m. CT. The game will be broadcast live on TNT and truTV, and it will also be available for streaming on HBO Max. TNT holds the exclusive U.S. English-language broadcasting rights for the tournament, ensuring that all 36 games will be accessible to viewers, with 17 games airing on TNT and truTV, including every game featuring Team USA.
After facing China, Team USA will continue their group stage with matches against Italy and Czechia. Their next game is set for Sunday, September 6, against Italy, with a tipoff scheduled for 1:45 p.m. CT. Team USA's performance in this tournament will be closely watched, especially as they look to maintain their dominance in international women's basketball.
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