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Basketball
Coach Kara Lawson has called the 2026 FIBA World Cup the most challenging edition ever as Team USA prepare to open against China without A'ja Wilson and Kelsey Plum.
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With the 2026 FIBA World Cup just days away, USA head coach Kara Lawson has described the tournament as potentially the toughest in the event's history. Speaking ahead of her side's opener against China in Berlin, Lawson pointed to the dramatic rise in quality across international women's basketball, noting deeper squads and sharper competition at every level.
Team USA arrive as heavy favourites, carrying a remarkable 30-game winning streak at the World Cup. But the task has been complicated by the absence of four-time WNBA MVP A'ja Wilson and five-time All-Star Kelsey Plum, both of whom withdrew citing health reasons. Lawson insisted her squad must channel all energy into the players available and building chemistry fast.
Kiki Iriafen and Sonia Citron have been drafted into the roster to fill the gaps, joining a youthful group that features seven players under 27 experiencing their first major international tournament. Among them is Caitlin Clark, who claimed MVP honours at the World Cup Qualifying Tournament and has drawn praise for her outstanding form this season.
The squad touched down in Berlin recently and went through a light session as they gear up for their opening clash against China - the 2022 World Cup silver medallists. Lawson stressed the need for sharp focus during the tight preparation window ahead of what promises to be a fiercely contested tournament.
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Copyright 2026 VIASPORT
Eva Hernández, Editor-in-Chief
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