The WNBA season is paused, but the 2026 FIBA World Cup begins Friday in Berlin, Germany, running through Sept. 13. The tournament features 16 teams from North America, Europe, Asia and Africa. The United States is stacked, but reigning champions suffered a blow with A'ja Wilson and Kelsey Plum unable to participate due to health reasons.

Despite those losses, Team USA aims for a fifth consecutive World Cup gold and 12th overall. The U.S. opens group play Friday against China, then faces Italy on Sunday and Czechia on Monday. Winning the group advances them to the quarterfinals on Sept. 10, with semifinals on Sept. 12 and the championship game on Sept. 13.

The U.S. roster includes stars like Caitlin Clark, Paige Bueckers, and Angel Reese, alongside veterans Breanna Stewart, Chelsea Gray, and Napheesa Collier. The team has won 30 consecutive World Cup games and lost just one major international game since 1994. In qualifying, they went 5-0 with an average margin of 42 points.

With seven players under 27, this young squad faces a greater challenge in Berlin, but the core of experienced veterans knows how to win gold. ESPN's guide covers all teams, including current WNBA players on each roster.