U.S. women open World Cup defending 30-game win streak

The 2026 FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup began Friday in Berlin, with the United States seeking a fifth consecutive championship and extending a 30-game tournament winning streak that dates back to a 2006 semifinal loss. The Americans, coached by Kara Lawson, opened their Group D campaign against China at 8:15 a.m. ET. The U.S. roster features a blend of established stars and high-profile debutantes. Three-time Olympic and three-time World Cup champion Breanna Stewart leads the squad, which includes first-time World Cup participants Caitlin Clark, Angel Reese, and Paige Bueckers. The team is without A'ja Wilson and Kelsey Plum, who withdrew due to injuries. Clark, the Indiana Fever guard and a two-time AP College Player of the Year, expressed her gratitude for the opportunity. "How lucky am I? This is pretty special and pretty cool," she told FIBA's website. "Especially to play for the USA team, let alone play in the WNBA and live out your dream every single day." There has been speculation about Clark's role, with some analysts noting she was the last player to start during the team's qualifying tournament earlier this year.