FIBA Announces Team USA Ranking After Unfortunate Development

Mark J&period; Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports via Reuters Connect

FIBA Announces Team USA Ranking After Unfortunate Development

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Angelo Guinhawa | Last updated Sep 1, 2026 6:15 PM ET

The USA’s women’s national basketball team remains No. 1 in the world rankings, way ahead of the likes of France, Australia and China. That being said, it’s not surprising that many expect them to dominate the FIBA World Cup in Berlin, Germany.

However, while Team USA is filled with incredible talent, the roster recently suffered a huge blow following the withdrawals of Las Vegas Aces center A’ja Wilson and Phoenix Mercury guard Kelsey Plum.

Wilson and Plum both backed out of participating in the quadrennial affair due to health reasons, according to an update from the team. Washington Mystics stars Kiki Iriafen and Sonia Citron were selected as their replacements.

Wilson is undoubtedly Team USA’s best player. She’s a WNBA MVP candidate, currently averaging 26.0 points, 9.4 rebounds, 1.4 steals and 2.0 blocks per game.

Plum, meanwhile, remains an elite scorer and playmaker with averages of 21.5 points and 5.4 assists in the WNBA this season. She was expected to provide Team USA with some much-needed veteran experience.

Las Vegas Aces center A’ja Wilson (22) reacts during an interview.Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images

With the two out, many expect Team USA to have a harder time in the World Cup. Some even doubt whether they are the best team in the tournament, especially with teams like France and Spain also boasting elite talent.

However, in its power rankings before the tournament officially kicks off, FIBA still had USA at No. 1 despite the absences. After all, they still have the likes of Breanna Stewart, Caitlin Clark, Paige Bueckers and Angel Reese leading the way.

“While it was tempting to move USA down a spot to an unthinkable second place in the wake of their latest roster news, there’s no knee-jerk reaction here. They are still blessed with some incredible talent and look so exciting,” FIBA wrote after declaring Team USA as the No. 1 team.

“There may be nine World Cup debutantes, but this is no second string USA team. Packed with elite ballers all ready to show out, the new generation of Caitlin Clark, Paige Bueckers and Angel Reese can surely get it done.

“But one of the main reasons to keep them locked in top spot is of course, the presence of the one and only Breanna Stewart.”

It remains to be seen if Team USA will be able to live up to the hype and expectations surrounding them.

Team USA will kick off its World Cup campaign against China on Friday. They will also play Italy and Czechia in the group stage.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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