Team USA prepares for FIBA Women's World Cup opener against China
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Sep 3, 2026, 7:38 PM
Last updated Sep 3, 2026

Team USA opens its FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup campaign against China on Friday, Sept. 4, in Berlin. The United States enters the tournament seeking a fifth consecutive gold medal. Head coach Kara Lawson faces roster adjustments for the group stage opener, as veterans A'ja Wilson and Kelsey Plum are unavailable due to injuries. The team is expected to feature a starting lineup of Chelsea Gray, Jackie Young, Napheesa Collier, Breanna Stewart, and Aliyah Boston. Reserve players including Caitlin Clark, Paige Bueckers, Kahleah Copper, Kiki Iriafen, and Angel Reese will provide rotation depth throughout the competition. The tournament continues through Sept. 13.
- •Team USA plays China on Friday, Sept. 4, in Berlin.
- •A'ja Wilson and Kelsey Plum are out for the tournament with injuries.
- •Breanna Stewart returns with three previous World Cup gold medals.
- •The tournament concludes on Sept. 13.
- 7:38 PMYahoo Sports — Who will start for Team USA? Predicting the Women's World Cup starting lineup
"Which five players will start for Team USA at the FIBA Women's World Cup? USA TODAY predicts the lineup.
Sources
External linksOriginal reporting and copyright belong to the linked sources. SportsNewsReport.com aggregates and links — it does not republish full articles.
Related Stories
Last 14 days
NCAAW•Sep 3, 2026, 6:00 PM2026 FIBA World Cup rosters: Complete lineup for every nation competing- NCAAW•Sep 3, 2026, 5:26 PMFever's Caitlin Clark is feeling lucky on the eve of the FIBA World Cup
NCAAW•Sep 3, 2026, 9:10 AMNorth Florida men's basketball team will have to be road warriors early- NCAAW•Sep 3, 2026, 2:25 AMLost passport delivers crushing World Cup blow before China faces Team USA
College SportsNCAAW•Sep 3, 2026, 1:48 AMRegis basketball star Cooper commits to Tennessee-Chattanooga
NCAAW•Sep 3, 2026, 1:30 AMUNC WBB releases remainder of 2026-27 schedule