2026 USA FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup Qualifying, Schedule, Results, Start Times, Roster
The 2026 FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup Qualifying Tournament is underway in San Juan, Puerto Rico (March 11-17, 2026), featuring a star-studded Team USA roster blending Olympic veterans with exciting WNBA rising stars. This tournament serves as key preparation for the full 2026 World Cup, with the U.S. already qualified but using it to evaluate talent under new head coach Kara Lawson.
As of March 16, 2026, the USA Women’s National Team remains undefeated with a 4–0 record in the FIBA World Cup Qualifying Tournament. Having already secured their 2026 World Cup berth, the U.S. has dominated the San Juan group with blowout wins over Senegal, Puerto Rico, Italy, and New Zealand.
MORE: FIBA Women's World Cup 2026 Which Country Has Qualify, Full Teams List
MORE: Canada FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup 2026 Qualifying: Schedule, Results, Roster
Full Roster Team USA
Team USA's 12-player squad includes a mix of experience and youth:
Guards: Paige Bueckers (Dallas Wings), Caitlin Clark (Indiana Fever), Chelsea Gray (Las Vegas Aces), Rhyne Howard (Atlanta Dream), Kelsey Plum (Los Angeles Sparks), Jackie Young (Las Vegas Aces), Rae Burrell (Los Angeles Sparks – making her USA competitive debut).
Forwards/Frontcourt: Monique Billings (Golden State Valkyries – replacement addition), Kahleah Copper (Phoenix Mercury), Dearica Hamby (Los Angeles Sparks), Kiki Iriafen (Washington Mystics – rookie debut), Angel Reese (Chicago Sky).
Notable Olympic gold medalists from 2024 include Copper, Gray, Plum, and Young, providing leadership. Hamby and Howard bring 3x3 bronze experience from Paris.
Coaching Staff
Head coach Kara Lawson (Duke University) leads the team in her first major senior international cycle after being named for the 2028 Olympics. Her staff includes assistants like Natalie Nakase, focusing on blending veteran poise with emerging talent.
Where To Watch FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup Qualifying?
TV: Games air on TruTV, TNT, and HBO Max in the U.S.
Streaming: Max (via B/R Sports), Courtside 1891, or DAZN.
Tournament Format and Group
The San Juan Qualifying Tournament features six teams in a single round-robin: USA, Puerto Rico (hosts), Senegal, Italy, New Zealand, and Spain. Each plays five games, with the top three advancing directly to the 2026 FIBA Women's World Cup (USA already qualified via prior events).
Full Schedule Team USA FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup Qualifying
(all times ET):
March 11: USA 110, Senegal 46,
March 12: USA 89, Puerto Rico 62,
March 14: USA 93٫ Italy 59,
March 15: USA 101, vs. New Zealand 46,
March 17: USA 84, Spain 70,
The U.S. holds strong historical edges (e.g., perfect records vs. Senegal, New Zealand, and Spain in recent meetings).
Expectations and Outlook
This roster is loaded with firepower—expect high-scoring outings from Clark's playmaking, Bueckers' efficiency, Reese's rebounding dominance, and the vets' championship pedigree. It's an audition for spots on the full World Cup team in September and beyond toward the 2028 LA Olympics.
Team USA aims to extend its dominance (eight straight Olympic golds, four-time defending World Cup champs). With this blend, the future looks bright for the red, white, and blue. 🇺🇸🏀
____
0 Comments