COLORADO SPRINGS (USA) - Generational talents Caitlin Clark and Paige Bueckers will finally take their first steps with the USA senior national team after being named in the 12-player roster for the upcoming FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup 2026 Qualifying Tournaments.
The reigning champions will use the opportunity to tip-off yet another exciting new chapter in their illustrious history by handing senior debuts to two of the biggest stars on the planet.
The hype and anticipation will be huge ahead of the event, with the pair having a combined 7 million followers on Instagram alone.
However, it is their skills on the court that will be the center of the focus as both look to cement a spot ahead of the FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup 2026 in Berlin, Germany. Especially with USA looking to potentially field a new-look backcourt, meaning the duo have every chance of playing at the big show later this year.
As well as Clark and Bueckers, there are also debuts for Sonia Citron and Kiki Iriafen, while there will be a lot of attention on Angel Reese too. This will be the forward's first global outing, having previously played at the FIBA AmeriCup Women 2023.
Head coach Kara Lawson has already recognized their value and the importance of this step and explained: "They're really bringing something new to our sport, a kind of excitement, but also fan communities that follow them everywhere they go.
"And that's great. We have a great generation of young, very talented players coming up, and I'm looking forward to working with them.
"It will be good to have them in a position to play with Team USA this time and see how they gel with everyone, since there's already so much talent."
As well as the newbies, there is also plenty of experience at the highest international level on the roster, which makes for a nice fusion of newcomers and veterans for Coach Lawson to utilize.
The lineup features a quartet of Paris 2024 Olympic gold medalists in the shape of Kahleah Copper, Chelsea Gray, Kelsey Plum and Jackie Young. Meanwhile Dearica Hamby and Rhyne Howard won the 3x3 bronze medal in the French capital.
In terms of previous experience at the FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup, Plum is a two-time champion from 2018 and 2022, while Copper and Gray were also both on the winning team at the last edition in Sydney, Australia.
Additionally, while not participating next month, USA team leader and three-time World Cup winner Breanna Stewart will participate in the training camp for the event.
While USA have already booked a direct ticket to the FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup 2026, the Qualifying Tournament will act as the perfect stage to start preparations for defending their crown.
It will be absolutely pivotal in helping to not only define their final line-up for Berlin, but also in building the chemistry, habits and connections that can help them extend their remarkable legacy as they seek to claim yet another piece of silverware.
USA will step out in San Juan between March 11-17, facing hosts Puerto Rico, as well as Italy, New Zealand, Senegal and Spain.
FIBA