Team USA ranked: Which players can help deliver FIBA World Cup gold

The 2026 FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup is one day away.

On Friday, Sept. 4, USA Basketball will compete in Berlin, Germany. The World Cup roster is headlined by new faces like Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese and bolstered by veteran players such as Breanna Stewart and Chelsea Gray. Team USA will be without mainstays A'ja Wilson and Kelsey Plum, who won't play due to health reasons, but is expected to remain competitive.

"What I love about this team, it's got experience ― internationally, WNBA, you name it ― it also has youth. You need both those energies," Sue Bird, USA Basketball women’s national team managing director, said. "You need some old heads. You need some young'uns. It kind of brings out the best on both sides, but for the young players, especially, they'll get really good experience."

The United States looks to secure its fifth consecutive World Cup gold medal as the tournament rolls on through Sept. 13. USA TODAY Sports' Studio IX is ranking the full Team USA roster according to how important each player might be to the country's title hopes.

Here's USA TODAY's ranking* of the 12 Team USA players on the FIBA World Cup roster:

Original source: https://www.usatoday.com/sports/