Liberty star guard Sabrina Ionescu was a surprising omission from the U.S. women’s national team roster for the upcoming FIBA World Cup in Berlin.
The 12-player roster was unveiled Thursday morning on NBC’s “TODAY” show.
It’s the second roster determined by Sue Bird, USA Basketball’s senior women’s national team managing director, and the first for a major international competition under her tenure. Bird also determined the roster for the World Cup qualifying tournament in Puerto Rico this spring.
Sabrina Ionescu of the New York Liberty is defended by Jade Melbourne of the Seattle Storm during the first quarter of a game at Barclays Center on Aug. 5, 2026. Getty Images
Unsurprisingly, Breanna Stewart was named to her fourth World Cup roster. The selection makes Stewart one of only three players to appear in at least four World Cups. Bird appeared in five and Diana Taurasi appeared in four.
The 12-player roster included seven players who will be making their World Cup debuts: Caitlin Clark, Paige Bueckers, Angel Reese, Aliyah Boston, Rhyne Howard, Jackie Young and Napheesa Collier.
Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark (22) plays in the second half against the Connecticut Sun at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis on July 22, 2026. Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images
The roster is shored up by seasoned veterans: Stewart, Chelsea Gray, Kahleah Copper, Kelsey Plum and A’ja Wilson.
The tournament runs from Sept. 4-13 in Berlin.
Ionescu is one of five players from the country’s 2024 Olympic roster who won’t be playing in this year’s World Cup. Taurasi, Jewell Loyd, Brittney Griner and Alyssa Thomas are the others.
Breanna Stewart of the New York Liberty smiles during a game against the Seattle Storm on August 5, 2026. NBAE via Getty Images
Ionescu helped the U.S. capture gold at the 2022 World Cup in Australia and the 2024 Paris Games.
She participated in the U.S. women’s national team training camp in April in Phoenix. But she was injured for most of the first five weeks of the WNBA season. It’s not immediately clear whether her injury status played a role in her absence.
Meanwhile, Plum, who’s been limited to just 14 WNBA games this season because of a leg injury, made the cut. Collier, who was sidelined until late July following ankle surgeries, did as well.
The Liberty should be well represented at the World Cup.
Leonie Fiebich (if healthy) is expected to suit up for hosts Germany. Satou Sabally’s status with Germany is less certain as she remains in concussion protocol.
Marine Johannès, Pauline Astier and Marine Fauthoux are candidates for the French national team, Raquel Carrera could play for Spain and Han Xu for China.
