Two Aces Stars to Represent USA in World Cup Qualifier

Las Vegas Aces guards Chelsea Gray and Jackie Young named to Team USA roster for upcoming tournament.

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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While the Winter Olympics are in full force, two of the Las Vegas Aces' star players, Chelsea Gray and Jackie Young, are set to represent the United States in the upcoming World Cup Qualifier tournament from March 11-17. The qualifying round will feature matches against Senegal, host nation Puerto Rico, Italy, New Zealand, and Spain.

Why it matters

Gray and Young are both Olympic gold medalists, having won with Team USA in different formats at the Tokyo 2020 and Paris 2024 Games. Their selection to the World Cup Qualifier roster highlights the continued dominance of the U.S. women's national basketball team and the strong pipeline of talent coming from the WNBA.

The details

The World Cup Qualifier tournament will serve as a tune-up for the 2026 FIBA World Cup, which will take place in Berlin in September of that year. While the U.S. has already qualified for the World Cup by virtue of their gold medal in the 2025 FIBA AmeriCup, the team is using the qualifier as an opportunity to gain valuable experience ahead of the main event.

  • The World Cup Qualifier tournament will take place from March 11-17, 2026.
  • Team USA's first match will be against Senegal on March 11.
  • The team will then face host nation Puerto Rico on March 12, Italy on March 14, New Zealand on March 15, and Spain on March 17.

The players

Chelsea Gray

A guard for the Las Vegas Aces and a two-time Olympic gold medalist with Team USA.

Jackie Young

A forward for the Las Vegas Aces and a 2024 Olympic gold medalist with Team USA.

Kelsey Plum

A guard for the Los Angeles Sparks and a member of the Team USA roster for the World Cup Qualifier.

Caitlin Clark

A guard for the Indiana Fever who will be a key part of the Team USA squad for the World Cup Qualifier.

Angel Reese

A forward for the Chicago Sky who will also be representing the United States in the upcoming tournament.

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What’s next

FIBA has yet to announce viewing or streaming options for the qualifying tournament, but fans will be eager to tune in and watch the U.S. women's national team compete against some of the top international squads.

The takeaway

The selection of Las Vegas Aces stars Chelsea Gray and Jackie Young to the Team USA roster for the World Cup Qualifier tournament is a testament to the depth and talent of the U.S. women's national basketball program. Their experience and success at the Olympic level will be invaluable as the team prepares for the 2026 FIBA World Cup.