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Posts tagged as “World Cup”

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

September 1, 2026
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.

ICYMI: Cape Verde Outlasted Saudi Arabia to advance to the Round of 32 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup

June 28, 2026

Cape Verde made history at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, advancing to the knockout stage on their debut after a goalless draw with Saudi Arabia in Group H. The small island nation of just over 500,000 people became the smallest country ever to reach a World Cup round of 32, completing an unbeaten group stage run of three draws.

Goalkeeper Vozinha was the standout performer, making crucial saves — including stops in first-half stoppage time, the 66th minute, and the 92nd minute — to keep Saudi Arabia scoreless. Cape Verde came closest to winning late on, with Da Costa firing wide in front of an open net after Rodrigues cut it back. The Blue Sharks finished with an xG of 1.52, dwarfing Saudi Arabia’s 0.40.

Cape Verde will advance to a historic Round of 32 match against Argentina in Miami this July 3rd in Miami, while the Saudi Arabia finishes bottom and is officially eliminated from the World Cup.

Cape Verde and Saudi Arabia draw 0-0 ! Cape Verde qualifies for the Round of 32 in their first ever World Cup appearance!

USA Women’s National Team Dominate Puerto Rico in 2026 FIBA World Cup Qualifiers

March 14, 2026

The USA Women’s National Team continued their dominant run in the 2026 FIBA World Cup Qualifiers, defeating host nation Puerto Rico 91–48 in San Juan. Playing before a sold-out crowd at “El Choli,” the Americans never trailed, establishing a commanding 46–19 lead by halftime.

Paige Bueckers led the offensive charge with 16 points, while Angel Reese anchored the interior, recording a double-double with 10 points and a record-breaking 13 rebounds. After a double-double game, Caitlin Clark had 8 points and 2 assists with 18:37 playing time.

Despite a gritty defensive effort from Puerto Rico, the USA’s depth and size proved overwhelming. This victory improves Team USA to 2–0 in the tournament as they solidify their path toward the 2026 World Cup.

Here are some game highlights;

Paige Bueckers was named as the Player of the Game

The American’s next game will be on the 15th March against Italy.