Preview: U.S. women are favorite, but here's how all 16 teams rank

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• Michael Voepel

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  Michael Voepel

  ESPN Senior Writer

  Michael Voepel is a senior writer who covers the WNBA, women's college basketball and other college sports. Voepel began covering women's basketball in 1984, and has been with ESPN since 1996.

Sep 2, 2026, 08:30 AM ET

The WNBA season is paused for the next couple of weeks, but there's plenty of women's basketball being played. The 2026 FIBA World Cup begins Friday and will run through Sept. 13 in Berlin, Germany. The tournament might not be as prominent as the Olympics -- to fans, at least -- but it is one of two major international competitions, with this year's event featuring 16 teams from North America, Europe, Asia and Africa.

The United States is, per usual, stacked, though the reigning champions suffered a blow when it was announced Monday that four-time WNBA MVP A'ja Wilson and five-time All-Star Kelsey Plum are unable to participate in the tournament due to health reasons. But those losses don't alter the task at hand: bringing home a fifth consecutive World Cup gold and 12th overall.

The U.S. women's national team plays its group phase opener Friday against China. The USA faces Italy on Sunday and then Czechia on Monday. If the U.S. women win their group, they move on to the quarterfinals on Sept. 10, with the semifinals set for Sept. 12 and the championship and third-place games on Sept. 13.

There are plenty of other familiar faces in Berlin, too, with dozens of current and former WNBA players representing other countries, from Australia to Türkiye.

ESPN's World Cup guide gets you set with everything you need to know before the games tip. Not every roster has been finalized yet, but we list current WNBA players on each squad, along with their stats for this current WNBA season.

Jump to:
AUS | BEL | CHN | CZE | FRA | GER
HUN | ITA | JPN | KOR | MLI | NGR
PUR | ESP | TUR | USA | GROUPS

1. United States

Current WNBA players:

F/C Aliyah Boston, Indiana Fever (16.9 PPG, 8.3 RPG, 1.3 BPG)
G Paige Bueckers, Dallas Wings (20.5 PPG, 5.9 APG, 4.1 RPG)
G Sonia Citron, Washington Mystics (16.8 PPG, 4.3 APG, 1.2 SPG)
G Caitlin Clark, Indiana Fever (22.5 PPG, 8.4 APG, 3.9 RPG)
F Napheesa Collier, Minnesota Lynx (18.0 PPG, 7.3 RPG, 1.4 SPG)
F/G Kahleah Copper, Phoenix Mercury (21.3 PPG, 3.6 RPG, 1.9 APG)
G Chelsea Gray, Las Vegas Aces (12.0 PPG, 6.8 APG, 1.4 SPG)
G Rhyne Howard, Atlanta Dream (18.3 PPG, 3.6 APG, 2.3 SPG)
F Kiki Iriafen, Washington Mystics (15.3 PPG, 9.4 RPG, 0.7 SPG)
F Angel Reese, Atlanta Dream (16.1 PPG, 12.4 RPG, 1.8 SPG)
F Breanna Stewart, New York Liberty (20.4 PPG, 8.1 RPG, 1.4 BPG)
G Jackie Young, Las Vegas Aces (18.9 PPG, 6.6 APG, 4.4 RPG)

Outlook: The U.S. women's national basketball team is home to one of the most dominant dynasties in all of sports, winning eight consecutive Olympic gold medals and four straight World Cups. The program has lost just one game at a major international competition since 1994 -- the semifinals of the 2006 World Championship (later renamed World Cup) against Russia, where the Americans won bronze. Team USA has since won 30 consecutive World Cup games.

That is the legacy newly minted national team director Sue Bird, senior national team coach Kara Lawson and this young U.S. squad -- a group with seven players under 27 -- bring to Berlin. Fans have long anticipated seeing the likes of Clark, Bueckers and Reese compete against international competition as part of the senior national team. They got a taste of that at the World Cup qualifying tournament, where the USA went 5-0 and won by an average margin of 42 points.

But between the grueling schedule, heighted competition and pressure of representing the USA, the World Cup will be a much greater challenge. USA Basketball's youth movement will be tested even more so with Wilson, the reigning World Cup and Olympics MVP, and Plum no longer available. But they still have a core of experienced veterans in Stewart, Gray, Collier, Young and Copper, who know what it takes to win gold. -- Alexa Philippou

2. France

Current WNBA players:

G Pauline Astier, New York Liberty (9.2 PPG, 2.5 RPG, 3.4 APG)
F Valeriane Ayayi, Phoenix Mercury (6.3 PPG, 2.7 RPG, 1.3 APG)
G Marine Johannes, New York Liberty (8.5 PPG, 2.1 RPG, 2.4 APG)
G Leila Lacan, Connecticut Sun (11.6 PPG, 1.9 RPG, 4.6 APG)
G Carla Leite, Portland Fire (15.9 PPG, 2.1 RPG, 6.3 APG)
C Dominique Malonga, Seattle Storm (17.0 PPG, 9.0 RPG, 1.5 BPG)
F Janelle Salaun, Golden State Valkyries (12.9 PPG, 3.9 RPG, 1.2 APG)
G Gabby Williams, Golden State Valkyries (14.3 PPG, 3.3 RPG, 2.2 APG)

Other notable players: C Marieme Badiane

Outlook: France, seen as the top threat to Team USA, might have its most talented roster ever with eight active WNBA players, four of whom will be headed to the playoffs. France has been building as an international power for the last several years. The French nearly toppled Team USA in the Olympic final in Paris in 2024, falling 67-66 behind former UConn star Williams' 19 points. France also took Olympic silver in 2012 and bronze in 2021.

France's only medal in the World Cup was a bronze in 1953, the first year of the event, but they are expected to have a podium finish this year. Malonga, the 2025 No. 2 WNBA draft pick who dunked in the All-Star Game in July, might look to do that in the World Cup. -- Michael Voepel

3. Spain

Current WNBA players:

G Elena Buenavida, Minnesota Lynx (developmental player)
C Raquel Carrera, New York Liberty (1.4 PPG, 1.1 RPG, 0.3 APG)
F Maria Conde, Toronto Tempo (8.9 PPG, 4.6 RPG, 2.6 APG)
C Megan DiLeo, Portland Fire (13.2 PPG, 4.2 RPG, 0.6 BPG)
C Awa Fam, Seattle Storm (10.3 PPG, 5.7 RPG, 0.9 SPG)
G Alicia Florez, Washington Mystics (3.3 PPG, 2.0 APG, 0.6 SPG)

Other notable players: G Iyana Martin, G Maite Cazorla

Outlook: Spain has had a relatively quiet output on the international stage in recent years. They medaled at the World Cup in 2010, 2014 and 2018 and took silver at the 2016 Olympics -- but then didn't even qualify for the previous World Cup in 2022 or the podium in Paris.

Coming off a silver-medal finish at last year's EuroBasket -- and more recently giving the USA its closest game of March's qualifying tournament -- Spain could be poised for a big showing in Berlin. The team is led by veteran Alba Torrens, the only player with World Cup experience, and has a naturalized star in DiLeo, who was a top-five scorer at the 2024 Olympics. Carrera has seen limited time with the Liberty but has been much more productive with her national team. What might be most anticipated, though, is the emergence of Spain's young tandem of 20-year-old stars in Storm rookie Fam and Martin, the Fire's draft-and-stash first-round selection. -- Philippou

4. Belgium

Current WNBA players:

G Julie Allemand, Toronto Tempo (6.3 PPG, 3.1 RPG, 5.6 APG)
C Kyara Linskens, Phoenix Mercury (3.0 PPG, 2.4 RPG, 0.7 BPG)
F Antonia Delaere, Minnesota Lynx (2.9 PPG, 0.7 RPG, 1.1 APG)

Other notable players: F Emma Meesseman, G Julie Vanloo, F Bethy Mununga

Outlook: Belgium should be one of the powers of Group C, along with Australia. The Cats are coached by longtime former WNBA coach Mike Thibault, who won a title with the Washington Mystics in 2019 when Meesseman was WNBA Finals MVP. Meesseman has played nine seasons in the WNBA, most recently last year when she spent 20 games (including the playoffs) with the New York Liberty. Vanloo played briefly (five games) with the Liberty this season. This is Allemand's fourth season in the WNBA, and she has been a starter for the expansion Tempo. This is Belgium's third World Cup appearance; they finished fourth in 2018 and fifth in 2022. Belgium has not medaled at the Olympics but had its best finish in Paris in 2024, falling in the bronze medal game. -- Voepel

5. Germany

Projected WNBA players:

F Frieda Buhner, Portland Fire (6.3 PPG, 2.2 RPG, 0.7 APG)
G Leonie Fiebich, New York Liberty (10.2 PPG, 3.0 RPG, 1.1 SPG)
C Luisa Geiselsoder, Portland Fire (4.5 PPG, 2.6 RPG, 1.3 APG)
F Nyara Sabally, Toronto Tempo (12.3 PPG, 5.3 RPG, 0.9 BPG)
* Roster not yet finalized

Outlook: Just like in the Olympics, a World Cup host faces a mixture of pressure and opportunity, and it's no different for Germany in what is just its second time participating in the event (and first since 1998). Unfortunately the Germans will be without the services of star Satou Sabally, who has stepped away from basketball while recovering from the effects of her second concussion in eight months, and it's unclear how healthy her sister, Nyara, will be. For the Germans to earn their first podium finish at a major international competition, they will need a huge tournament from Fiebich, who has been showcasing her value with the Liberty upon returning from injury. But also expect the likes of Buhner and Geiselsoder to play even bigger roles than they do stateside in Portland. Germany is coached by Olaf Lange, current Tempo associate head coach and Sandy Brondello's husband. -- Philippou

6. China

Projected WNBA players:

C Han Xu, New York Liberty (6.4 PPG, 2.6 RPG, 0.7 BPG)
C Li Yueru, Dallas Wings (3.3 PPG, 2.6 RPG, 0.3 BPG)
* Roster is not yet finalized

Outlook: China should be the toughest challenger to Team USA in Group D, and the two play in the event opener for both. The United States and China faced off twice at the 2022 World Cup, with the U.S. women winning by 14 in group play and by 22 in the gold medal match. That result was still a win for the Chinese, though, as it marked the first time since 1994 that they earned a medal at a major international competition (both were silvers).

China faltered at the 2024 Olympics, finishing in ninth, before punching its ticket to the World Cup at this spring's qualifying tournament in Wuhan. This roster has some new faces compared to that '22 squad, headlined by the 7-foot-2, 19-year-old Zhang Ziyu. But she's not the only player who could pose some trouble for the USA, as the more experienced Han Xu (6-11) and Li Yueru (6-7) bring additional height, with FIBA dubbing the trio the "Triple Towers." -- Philippou

7. Australia

Current WNBA players:

F Chloe Bibby, Minnesota Lynx (2.3 PPG, 0.7 RPG, 0.7 BPG)
G Isobel Borlase, Atlanta Dream (4.6 PPG, 1.5 RPG, 1.0 APG)
C Ezi Magbegor, Seattle Storm (6.9 PPG, 4.0 RPG, 1.2 BPG)
G Jade Melbourne, Seattle Storm (9.5 PPG, 2.2 RPG, 3.9 APG)
F Alanna Smith, Dallas Wings (6.0 PPG, 3.9 RPG, 1.0 APG)
G Miela Sowah, Golden State Valkyries (0.3 PPG, 0.8 RPG)
F Stephanie Talbot, Las Vegas Aces (3.5 PPG, 2.6 RPG, 1.0 APG)

Other notable players: F Alex Fowler, G Alex Wilson

Outlook: Phoenix Mercury guard Sami Whitcomb, captain of the Australian team, had to withdraw from the World Cup last week because of an ongoing knee injury. It's a big blow to the Opals regarding leadership and scoring. And it's heartbreaking for Whitcomb, who is 38. She was replaced by Sowah, 26. Sandy Brondello, who won WNBA titles with the Mercury (2014) and New York Liberty (2024) and is now with the Toronto Tempo, is Australia's coach.

The Opals began to emerge as an international power in women's basketball in the 1980s and won their first World Cup medal with a bronze in 1998. Their highlight was 2006, when they defeated Russia for the gold medal after the Russians had upset the United States in the semifinals. They also won bronze in 2002, 2014 and 2022, and took silver in 2018. Australia's six total World Cup medals puts them third on the all-time medal chart. The Aussies also have six Olympic medals: three silvers and three bronzes. -- Voepel

8. Italy

Current WNBA players:

G Costanza Verona, Dallas Wings (developmental player)
F Cecilia Zandalasini, Golden State Valkyries (8.8 PPG, 2.2 RPG, 1.8 APG)

Other notable players: F Lorela Cubaj

Outlook: Italy is enjoying a resurgence on the FIBA stage: Last year the team won its first EuroBasket medal since 1995 by beating France for the bronze medal, and now this World Cup marks the country's first appearance at a major international competition since the 1996 Olympics. Led by Zandalasini, the Italians lost 93-59 to the United States at the qualifying tournament in Puerto Rico, but went 4-1 overall at the event, including upsetting Spain the day after playing the U.S. women (and it's largely the same squad Italy has in Berlin). Italy has a difficult path ahead, though, having to face both the USA and China, the 2022 World Cup silver medalist, in the group phase. -- Philippou

9. Nigeria

Projected WNBA players:

F Amy Okonkwo, Portland Fire (4.3 PPG, 1.0 RPG, 0.3 APG)
* Roster not yet finalized

Outlook: This is the fourth time Nigeria has qualified for the World Cup, although it withdrew in 2022. That was much to the chagrin of the Nigerian players and FIBA. It was a decision by the Nigerian government, which opted in May 2022 to withdraw all its basketball teams from international competition while it restructured the sport's governance. Nigeria earned its World Cup berth this time by winning the AfroBasket 2025 championship. The team still played in the World Cup qualifying tournament in France in March, but lost three of five games. Nigeria's best finish in the World Cup is eighth, in 2018. The team's best Olympic finish is also eighth, in 2024. -- Voepel

10. Japan

Current WNBA players:

G Mai Yamamoto, Las Vegas Aces (5.8 PPG, 1.8 APG, 0.8 SPG)

Other notable players: G Rui Machida, G Kokoro Tanaka, C Ramu Tokashiki

Outlook: American basketball fans have come to enjoy Japan's entertaining style of play in recent years, particularly since squaring off against the USA in the 2020 Olympic gold medal game. Japan is known for speed, movement and 3-point shooting, which means the team can beat anyone if it gets hot -- and can lose to anyone if it can't hit shots. Lack of size is often an Achilles' heel -- just one player, Tokashiki, is listed over 6-foot.

Still, look out for the likes of Yamamoto, a midseason addition to the Aces, as well as Golden State draft pick Tanaka to make a splash on the perimeter. After the high of clinching silver at the Tokyo Olympics, Japan finished ninth at the 2022 World Cup, 12th at the Paris Olympics and almost didn't qualify for Berlin. Corey Gaines, the coach of the 2009 Phoenix Mercury championship squad, took over as head coach in early 2025. The pressure is on for them to find their form going into 2030, when they will host the next World Cup. -- Philippou

11. Hungary

Projected WNBA players:

F Dorka Juhász, Minnesota Lynx (3.8 PPG, 2.6 RPG, 1.2 APG)
* Roster not yet finalized

Outlook: While France is a big favorite in Group B, Hungary might make some waves behind Juhász. That especially could be the case with JiSu Park out for Korea and Nigeria looking kind of inconsistent entering the tournament. Hungary is making its sixth appearance in the World Cup but first since 1998. The team's best finish was fifth in 1957. -- Voepel

12. Korea

Current WNBA players:

G Jihyun Park, Los Angeles Sparks (2.2 PPG, 1.0 RPG, 0.5 APG)

Outlook: Korea is typically known as a strong outside shooting team. The team will need to rely even more on its guards with center JiSu Park, who played three seasons with the Las Vegas Aces, out due to an ankle injury. Korea is making its 18th World Cup appearance; it has played in every tournament except the first two in 1953 and 1957. Korea has won two silver medals, in 1967 and 1979. The team also has finished fourth three times, most recently in 2002. Korea has one medal in Olympic play, a silver in 1984. -- Voepel

13. Türkiye

Projected WNBA players:

G/F Kennedy Burke, Connecticut Sun (8.8 PPG, 3.2 RPG, 1.4 APG)
* Roster not yet finalized

Outlook: Türkiye will learn a lot about its chances from its opener vs. Belgium. This is Türkiye's third appearance in the World Cup; the team was fourth in 2014, when it hosted the event, and 10th in 2018. In her seventh year in the WNBA, Burke is having a career-best season. -- Voepel

14. Mali

Projected WNBA players:

G Aicha Coulibaly, Chicago Sky (4.8 PPG, 2.8 RPG, 0.7 SPG)
F Sika Kone, Atlanta Dream (1.7 PPG, 1.0 RPG)
* Roster not yet finalized

Outlook: Mali will make its third World Cup appearance, where it hopes to improve on an 11th-place finish in 2022. The program established itself as the second-best team out of Africa behind Nigeria, which beat Mali in the 2025 AfroBasket final. But Mali followed that up with a promising showing during the qualifying tournament in March, beating Czechia and narrowly losing to Brazil to clinch a spot in Berlin. Maimouna Haidara was the team's leading scorer in Wuhan, followed by the Dream's Kone; they'll need those two to dazzle to cause some upsets in Group A. -- Philippou

15. Czechia

Current WNBA players:

G Eliska Joklova, Minnesota Lynx (1.7 PPG, 1.1 APG, 1.0 RPG)

Outlook: Czechia is back at the World Cup after last appearing in the event in 2014; in 2010, it was the host nation and earned silver. The team's return this year has already been met with some concern. Czechia eked into the World Cup after a tepid qualifying tournament and has had some bad injury luck to two key players: Emma Cechova tore her ACL three games into her season with the Minnesota Lynx after a promising start, while Julia Reisingerova is also unavailable due to injury. On top of that, Czechia has to face the United States, China and a surging Italy squad in group play. It'll need sensational outings from the likes of Lynx rookie Joklova (née Hamzova), Veronika Vorackova and Petra Holesinska to keep up. -- Philippou

16. Puerto Rico

Current WNBA players: None

Other notable players: G Arella Guirantes, C Imani McGee-Stafford

Outlook: Host Puerto Rico was fourth in the qualifying tournament won by the United States in March in San Juan. A tough group awaits in Berlin, especially having to face Australia and Belgium. This is Puerto Rico's third appearance in the World Cup, having finished 16th in 2018 and eighth in 2022. Guirantes played two seasons in the WNBA, most recently in 2023. McGee-Stafford played four seasons in the league, most recently in 2019. Puerto Rico has competed twice in the Olympics. -- Voepel

Groups

Sixteen teams will compete in the FIBA World Cup in Berlin, Germany, with 36 games being played over 10 days from Sept. 4 to Sept. 13. The first-place team in each group advances to the quarterfinals; the second- and third-place teams will qualify for a single-game elimination format to determine the rest of the quarterfinalists.