Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese unite on a star-studded US World Cup qualifying roster

WNBA stars Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese have been named to the United States women’s basketball roster for the upcoming FIBA World Cup qualifying tournament, which is scheduled to take place next month in Puerto Rico. The decision by USA Basketball to pair the two high-profile rivals on the same national squad aims to secure a dominant qualification for the 2026 World Cup while capitalizing on the unprecedented surge in popularity surrounding women’s professional basketball. This selection marks a significant milestone as the two athletes transition from collegiate icons to cornerstones of the senior national team's international strategy. The inclusion of Clark and Reese is particularly noteworthy given their long-standing competitive history, most notably during their collegiate careers at Iowa and LSU, and more recently during their record-breaking rookie seasons in the WNBA. While the two have often been framed as rivals by the media and fans, this tournament in Puerto Rico offers a rare opportunity for them to integrate their distinct styles of play—Clark’s elite playmaking and long-range shooting alongside Reese’s dominant rebounding and defensive presence—under the American flag. Beyond the star power of the roster, the qualifying tournament serves as the official pathway for the United States to cement its position for the 2026 FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup, which will be hosted in Germany. Coaches and analysts view this specific roster as a strategic blend of rising youth and veteran experience, designed to maintain the United States' long-standing dominance in global competitions. The games in Puerto Rico will act as a critical chemistry-building exercise for a program that is currently undergoing a generational shift in talent. Public interest in the qualifying rounds is expected to reach record levels for a non-Olympic event, largely due to the massive following both Clark and Reese bring to the sport. USA Basketball officials anticipate that the presence of these two stars will not only ensure a high level of competition on the court but also drive significant viewership and engagement throughout the tournament’s duration in the Caribbean.