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Angel Reese named to Team USA for 2026 FIBA World Cup

9/4/2026

Summary

Reese Joins USA

Angel Reese was named by Kara Lawson to Team USA’s roster for the 2026 FIBA World Cup in Berlin.
Reese joins guards Rhyne Howard, Caitlin Clark, Aliyah Boston, Paige Bueckers, Napheesa Collier, replacements Kiki Iriafen and Sonia Citron.
A'ja Wilson withdrew for health reasons while Kelsey Plum missed the tournament with an ankle injury.
Lawson said Reese’s aggression, physicality and 8.0 rebounds per game suit FIBA’s physical style.

Summary

World Cup Qualifies

The tournament uses a new format with three group games, top team advances, second/third play-in, fourth eliminated.
Winning the World Cup automatically secures a berth for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
HBO Max will stream all games, while select matchups air on TNT and TruTV.
The two-week World Cup pause pushes the WNBA season’s return to September 17, one week before playoffs.

History

Historical Context

When the United States founded the WNBA in 1996, the league instantly elevated American women’s basketball to international prominence and global. USA Basketball and FIBA fielded a 12-player squad that won the 1998 Women’s World Cup in Germany, beating Brazil 71-65. Angel Reese’s 2026 Berlin roster spot, chosen by coach Kara Lawson, echoes Lisa Leslie’s 1998 debut, both showcasing the league’s physical style. That 1998 triumph set a precedent: World Cup victories now secure Olympic berths and dictate the WNBA’s schedule around the tournament.

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Reese Joins USA

Angel Reese was named by Kara Lawson to Team USA’s roster for the 2026 FIBA World Cup in Berlin.
Reese joins guards Rhyne Howard, Caitlin Clark, Aliyah Boston, Paige Bueckers, Napheesa Collier, replacements Kiki Iriafen and Sonia Citron.
A'ja Wilson withdrew for health reasons while Kelsey Plum missed the tournament with an ankle injury.
Lawson said Reese’s aggression, physicality and 8.0 rebounds per game suit FIBA’s physical style.

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