2026 FIBA World Cup: Will France give USA a run for their money? Can USA’s young squad defend the title? + more talent to keep an eye on

Hoops 360 hosts Caroline Fenton and Cassandra Negley break down the latest news heading into the 2026 FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup, including the news that A’ja Wilson and Kelsey Plum will miss the tournament. With two of Team USA’s biggest stars and most experienced players unavailable, can they keep their World Cup hopes alive? How will such a young roster fare on such a big stage?

Also, women’s basketball analyst and Her Hoops Stats writer Richard Cohen joins the show to take a closer look at the talent across the World Cup field. Richard breaks down the contenders, the players to watch and the teams that could give Team USA the biggest challenge. Who poses the biggest threat to the Americans? And does France have what it takes to win it all?

*Disclaimer: Some World Cup rosters were not fully finalized during the time of recording.

01:28 – How detrimental is the loss of A’ja Wilson to Team USA?

06:13 – What will Sonia Citron & Kiki Iriafen bring to Team USA?

10:33 – How does the FIBA World Cup work?

15:53 – Is the FIBA World Cup break good or bad for WNBA teams?

20:35 – Richard Cohen joins Hoops 360: Women’s basketball analyst & ‘Her Hoops s=Stats’ writer

01:00:50 – Upcoming World Cup games to watch

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