Angel Reese is making her first FIBA Women’s World Cup appearance with Team USA in Berlin. The Atlanta Dream forward was named to the 12-player roster in August 2026 and is one of 7 Americans making their World Cup debuts. She joins fellow first-timers Caitlin Clark, Paige Bueckers, and Aliyah Boston on the team.
Reese celebrated the selection and called it an honor to represent her country. Her selection adds another milestone to a rapid rise from college champion to WNBA All-Star and U.S. national team player. Team USA enters the tournament in Berlin seeking its fifth consecutive World Cup title.
Angel Reese earns first Team USA selection
USA Basketball announced its 2026 World Cup roster in early August. Reese was one of 7 players making their World Cup debut. She earned her spot after strong performances in the March qualifying tournament.
The Americans went undefeated in qualifying and won all 5 games. Reese contributed across the box score during that stretch.
Reese shared her excitement on Instagram right after the announcement. She called it an honor to be named one of the 12 best in the world. The selection marks Reese’s first appearance at a FIBA Women’s World Cup.
From the Chicago Sky to the Atlanta Dream trade
Reese spent her first 2 WNBA seasons with the Chicago Sky before the team traded her to the Atlanta Dream on April 6, 2026. Chicago received Atlanta’s 2027 and 2028 first-round picks, along with the right to swap second-round picks in 2028.
Reese led the WNBA in rebounding during both of her seasons in Chicago. The Sky missed the playoffs in both 2024 and 2025. Her departure came after a turbulent 2025 season and months of uncertainty surrounding her future with the organization.
Atlanta was coming off the best regular season in franchise history. The Dream finished the 2025 season with a franchise-record 30 wins and a 30-14 record. Atlanta’s general manager described Reese as a “perfect fit” for what the organization was building.
Reese thrives early in her new home
Reese’s move to Atlanta paid off almost immediately once the season began. The Dream started the 2026 season with a strong rebounding surge. Atlanta led the league in rebounds per game with Reese anchoring the paint.
She also boosted Atlanta’s defense early in the year. She sealed one early-season game with a decisive block against the Lynx.
Reese has embraced her new city on and off the court. She launched new Atlanta-themed jerseys ahead of her first season there.
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A roster loaded with rising WNBA stars
Reese is not the only headline name on the 2026 roster. Caitlin Clark and Paige Bueckers are also making their World Cup debuts. A’ja Wilson was originally selected but later withdrew from the tournament, while Kelsey Plum also withdrew before the competition.
Breanna Stewart is set to make her fourth World Cup appearance. Rhyne Howard also earned a place on the final roster after helping Team USA qualify in March.
Sue Bird serves as managing director of the USA Basketball women’s national team. The final roster combines World Cup newcomers with experienced players as Team USA begins its title defense in Berlin.
The road to gold in Berlin begins
The 2026 FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup begins September 4 and runs through September 13 in Berlin. Team USA enters the tournament as the defending champion and is seeking its fifth consecutive World Cup title.
The Americans open Group D against China on September 4. Italy follows on September 6, with Czechia scheduled for September 7. Team USA is one of 4 teams in Group D.
All 36 tournament games are available to stream on HBO Max in the United States, with selected games also airing on TNT, TBS, or truTV. Reese enters her World Cup debut after setting the WNBA rookie record with 13.1 rebounds per game in 2024.
Fun fact: Reese set a WNBA rookie record with 13.1 rebounds per game in 2024.
Reese and Clark share a complicated bond
Reese and Clark first became rivals during the 2023 NCAA title game. LSU beat Iowa that night behind a dominant performance from Reese. Their rivalry carried into the WNBA once both players turned pro.
Tension has surfaced in several games between their old teams. One clip from the qualifiers showed Clark walking past a high-5 from Reese. The moment quickly went viral among fans on social media.
The 2 are now teammates chasing the same gold medal. Reese has said she looks forward to representing her country.
What Team USA faces in the group stage
Team USA remains the clear favorite heading into the tournament. Still, the rest of the world continues closing the talent gap each year. France nearly forced overtime in the 2024 Olympic gold medal game.
China, Italy, and the Czech Republic make up Group D. Each opponent brings a different style of play to the court. Coaches will need to prepare for physical post play and quick transitions.
A deep American roster gives Team USA flexibility in every matchup. Depth at multiple positions allows for lineup changes based on the opponent.
Why this tournament matters for her legacy
A gold medal would add another milestone to Reese’s young career. She already won a national title with LSU back in 2023. Reese continues to build her brand well beyond the basketball court.
Her rebounding skills have made her one of the league’s most watched players. The tournament also offers a chance to grow alongside new teammates.
The tournament will give Reese an opportunity to play alongside established Team USA veterans and WNBA stars. Reese heads into Berlin ready to prove she belongs among the best.
TL;DR
- Angel Reese is making her FIBA Women’s World Cup debut with Team USA in 2026.
- She was traded from the Chicago Sky to the Atlanta Dream on April 6, 2026.
- Reese has been a major contributor to Atlanta’s rebounding and defensive play during the 2026 season.
- Team USA opens Group D against China in Berlin on September 4.
- Reese and Caitlin Clark are teammates on Team USA after previously facing each other in college and the WNBA.
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This article was made with AI assistance and human editing.
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