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Posts tagged as “FIBA World Cup”

Citron and Iriafen Named to USA Basketball Roster Ahead of Berlin 2026

USA Basketball has officially finalized its 12-player national team roster for the 2026 FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup in Berlin, locking in dynamic Washington Mystics teammates Sonia Citron and Kiki Iriafen as late additions.

The sophomore WNBA duo enters the fold following the withdrawal of veterans A’ja Wilson and Kelsey Plum due to health and workload management. While filling the shoes of established Olympic champions is no small task, head coach Kara Lawson’s squad receives a major injection of youth, perimeter versatility, and frontcourt depth as Team USA pursues a historic fifth consecutive World Cup gold medal.

For Sonia Citron, the call-up marks her official debut with the senior 5×5 national team after previously representing the United States across under-16 and under-19 international stages. Citron brings elite 3-and-D capabilities, transition scoring, and perimeter secondary playmaking. Her floor-spacing ability and defensive length provide immediate tactical flex behind primary ball-handlers like Chelsea Gray and Caitlin Clark.

Kiki Iriafen steps into the senior national team spotlight following a standout stint during the 2026 FIBA World Cup Qualifying Tournament in Puerto Rico earlier this year. Known for her high motor, interior footwork, and aggressive glass-cleaning, Iriafen adds essential frontcourt depth alongside veterans Breanna Stewart and Napheesa Collier. Her presence in the paint will be vital against heavy physical competition across group play.

2026 USA Basketball Women’s National Team Roster

Player Position WNBA Team
Paige Bueckers Guard Dallas Wings
Sonia Citron Guard Washington Mystics
Caitlin Clark Guard Indiana Fever
Chelsea Gray Guard Las Vegas Aces
Rhyne Howard Guard Atlanta Dream
Jackie Young Guard Las Vegas Aces
Aliyah Boston Forward / Center Indiana Fever
Napheesa Collier Forward Minnesota Lynx
Kahleah Copper Forward Phoenix Mercury
Kiki Iriafen Forward Washington Mystics
Angel Reese Forward Atlanta Dream
Breanna Stewart Forward New York Liberty

The USA Basketball Women’s National Team open group play against China on Sept. 4, followed by Italy on Sept. 6 and Czechia on Sept. 7.

USA Basketball Announces 2027 FIBA Men’s World Cup Qualifying Roster

Here’s the official roster of the 2026 USA Men’s World Cup Qualifying Team;

  • Pedro Bradshaw
  • Izaiah Brockington
  • Torrey Craig
  • Jacob Gilyard
  • Dewan Hernandez
  • Jay Huff
  • Mike James
  • Orlando Robinson
  • Matt Ryan
  • Terry Taylor
  • Jarrod Uthoff
  • Gabe York

The team will be lead by Head coach Stephen Silas with assistants Marlon Garnett, Clay Moser and Patrick Mutombo.

The USA are schedule to take on Dominican Republic in Santo Domingo this July 3rd. The squad will then travel to Zacatecas, Mexico, with the game scheduled to tip off at 10 p.m. ET on July 6th.

USA Basketball Women’s National Team Announces Star-Studded Roster for December Training Camp at Duke

The USA Basketball Women’s National Team just announce the 18-player roster for its upcoming training camp, scheduled for December 12-14 at Duke University in Durham, North Carolina.

The camp’s 18-player roster is a mix of championship experience and rising talent. Headlining the group are five 2024 Olympic gold medalists: Kahleah Copper, Chelsea Gray, Brittney Griner, Kelsey Plum, and Jackie Young. Joined by Dearica Hamby, a bronze medalist from the 2024 3×3 Olympic competition. Other accomplished veterans include 2022 FIBA World Cup champion Brionna Jones.

The camp will also mark the senior National Team debut for ten highly anticipated young players: Lauren Betts, Cameron Brink, Paige Bueckers, Veronica Burton, Sonia Citron, Caitlin Clark, Kiki Iriafen, Rickea Jackson, Angel Reese, and JuJu Watkins. Many of these newcomers, including Aliyah Boston, already boast gold medals from various junior and youth international competitions. Kiki Iriafen will make her first appearance with USA Basketball. The roster also features numerous players with 3×3 experience, including Olympic medalists Plum and Young.

The training will be led by 2025-28 Women’s National Team head coach Kara Lawson (Duke University). She will be supported by a veteran coaching staff featuring court coaches Natalie Nakase (Golden State Valkyries, 2025 WNBA COY), Nate Tibbetts (Phoenix Mercury), and Stephanie White (Indiana Fever, 2023 WNBA COY).

Managing Director Sue Bird will use the camp to evaluate the athletes as the program begins preparations for the 2026 FIBA Women’s World Cup in Berlin, where the USA aims to secure an unprecedented fifth consecutive gold medal.

Philippines, Japan and Indonesia will host the FIBA Basketball World Cup in 2023

FIBA announced that FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 will be hosted by Philippines, Japan and Indonesia, the first-ever multiple hosts for said contest.

At total of sixteen (16) games will be played among the 32 countries participating in the tournament at the Araneta Coliseum and the Mall of Asia Arena. Philippine Arena in Bocaue, Bulacan will be used as the venue for the semifinals and the finals.

Japan and Indonesia will host the other 16 matches.