Team USA’s quest for a fifth consecutive FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup gold medal faces a tough challenge as the tournament kicks off in Berlin on September 4, 2026. The absence of star players A’ja Wilson and Kelsey Plum due to health concerns has raised concerns about the team's chances.
Why it matters: Team USA has dominated women's basketball in recent years, winning four consecutive World Cups. The loss of key players could impact their performance as they aim to maintain their championship status.
A’ja Wilson, a four-time WNBA MVP, and Kelsey Plum will miss the tournament due to health reasons, creating a notable gap in the roster.
Wilson has been a leading scorer for Team USA in major tournaments, including the last three Olympics and World Cups.
The team is still filled with talent but will need to adjust its strategy without Wilson and Plum.
Driving the news: The announcement of Wilson and Plum's withdrawal came just days before the tournament's opening match against China. Their replacements, Kiki Iriafen and Sonia Citron, bring fresh talent but lack the experience of the veterans.
Wilson has been a dominant force, averaging 26 points per game this season and leading the league in blocks and rebounds.
Plum was also a key contributor, ranking second in scoring during the last World Cup.
Head coach Kara Lawson will need to rethink her game plan to compensate for their absence.
State of play: Team USA's roster features a mix of established stars and rising talents. Caitlin Clark, who has been in the spotlight for her impressive performances, is expected to take on a larger leadership role.
Clark was named MVP at the FIBA World Cup qualifying tournament in March 2026, averaging 11.6 points and 6.4 assists.
Since joining the WNBA, Clark has quickly become one of the league's top players, currently averaging 22.5 points and 8.4 assists per game.
Her ability to lead the team will be instrumental in the absence of Wilson and Plum.
The big picture: Team USA remains a favorite to win the World Cup, but the dynamics have shifted significantly with the last-minute roster changes.
The tournament format includes a group stage followed by knockout rounds, with Team USA grouped with China, Italy, and Czechia.
Fans can watch all games in the U.S. via HBO Max, with select matches airing on TNT and TruTV.
The team's opening match against China is scheduled for September 4 at 8:00 a.m. ET.
What they're saying: Analysts have expressed mixed feelings about Team USA's prospects following the withdrawals.
WNBA analyst Roberta noted that without Wilson and Plum, Team USA's chances of repeating as champions are uncertain, stating, "I believe the USA could lose to Spain in the semifinals due to the lack of veteran presence."
Clark's rise has been a silver lining, with her teammates and coaches praising her skills and leadership potential.
"Caitlin's been on a steady uptick from March until now. She's playing really well at this time," said head coach Kara Lawson.
By the numbers: The statistics highlight the challenges ahead for Team USA.
Wilson averaged 17.2 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 2.2 steals in the last World Cup, where she received MVP honors.
Clark has recorded six games with over 30 points and 10 assists in her career, more than any other player in WNBA history.
Team USA has won 4 consecutive World Cups, setting a high bar for performance.
What's next: As the tournament approaches, Team USA must quickly adapt to their new lineup and strategy.
The knockout rounds begin on September 8, following the group stage matches.
With the tournament running until September 13, every game will be a test of the team's depth and resilience.
Fans are eager to see if Clark can step up and lead the team through this challenging phase.