A new era of Team USA basketball has arrived.
Caitlin Clark, Paige Bueckers, Angel Reese and Aliyah Boston join A’ja Wilson, Breanna Stewart, Napheesa Collier and a loaded American roster at the 2026 FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup in Berlin. Can this new generation help Team USA capture its fifth consecutive World Cup championship—or could France finally end nearly two decades of American dominance?
Chiney Ogwumike and Senior ESPN Researcher Jason Joseph break down Team USA’s revamped roster, the different dimensions Clark and Bueckers bring to the backcourt, and why A’ja and Stewie remain the ultimate international basketball cheat code.
They also examine the biggest challengers to Team USA, including a dangerous French roster led by Gabby Williams and Dominique Malonga, along with Australia, Spain, Belgium and a rising Nigerian program. Plus, Chiney explains how the World Cup could reshape the final stretch of the WNBA championship race.
IN THIS EPISODE:
🇺🇸 Team USA begins a new era without Sue Bird and Diana Taurasi
🌟 What Caitlin Clark, Paige Bueckers and Angel Reese bring to the roster
🏆 Why A’ja Wilson and Breanna Stewart remain Team USA’s ultimate advantage
🇫🇷 Can Gabby Williams and Dominique Malonga lead France past the Americans?
🌍 The other countries capable of making a deep World Cup run
🇳🇬 Chiney celebrates Nigeria’s rise on the international stage
🔥 How the tournament could impact the Aces, Fever, Dream and WNBA title race
Can anyone stop Team USA in Berlin? Let us know in the comments—and drop a ⚡️ if you watched until the end!
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Timestamps:
-0:00 Intro
-1:56 Berlin is set to host the 2026 Women’s Basketball World Cup
-3:01 The teams set to face off in each group
-3:46 The challenges Team USA could face despite being loaded
-9:17 Will America’s lack of size hurt them?
-12:13 France is dangerous, led by Gabby Williams & Dominique Malonga
-16:07 Will USA’s lack of experience be exposed?
-18:40 Australia, Spain, & Belgium are big threats too
-21:08 Nigeria is ranked top 10 for a reason
-25:20 How will the FIBA World Cup impact the W’s playoff race?
-27:40 Is the FIBA World Cup Team USA’s to win?
-28:32 Goodbye
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