The 2026 FIBA World Cup kicked off in Berlin on September 4, 2026, with several players from the Las Vegas Aces representing their respective countries. Despite the absence of A’ja Wilson from Team USA, the Aces were well-represented, and all three nations featuring Aces players began their tournament campaigns with victories.
In the first match, Team Australia faced off against Team Puerto Rico, where forward Stephanie Talbot delivered an outstanding performance. Talbot, who has shown significant improvement in her game with the Aces, led all scorers with 19 points, shooting an impressive four-of-six from beyond the arc. Her contributions were pivotal in Australia’s 70-54 win, and she also added eight rebounds, three assists, and two steals to her stat line. Talbot’s all-around display earned her the Player of the Game honors, marking a strong start to her World Cup journey.
Australia's next challenge will be against Türkiye on September 6 at 2:30 a.m. Pacific time, an encounter that fans will be eager to watch as the Opals aim to build on their opening success.
Meanwhile, Team USA, featuring Aces players Jackie Young and Chelsea Gray, took on Team China in their tournament opener. The American squad showcased their depth and talent, securing a commanding 94-61 victory. Young contributed significantly with 12 points, three rebounds, and three assists, while Gray added five points and two assists. Although the spotlight was on newcomers like Caitlin Clark and Paige Bueckers, who made headlines in their international debuts, the performance of Young and Gray highlighted the strength of Team USA's roster, with all players contributing to the scoreline.
Team USA will continue their campaign against Italy on September 5 at 11:45 a.m. Pacific time, looking to maintain their momentum in the tournament.
On the other side, Team Japan, represented by Mai Yamamoto, faced Team Mali in a thrilling encounter. Although Yamamoto had been a standout performer in preseason games against the Aces, she played a more supportive role in this match. Japan managed to pull off a dramatic 102-97 comeback victory, with Yamamoto contributing 10 points, three assists, a steal, and a block. The standout of the game was Saki Hayashi, who scored 27 points, including a remarkable nine three-pointers, setting a team record for the most threes made in a single game. Japan’s overall tally of 20 three-pointers also set a new team record, showcasing their offensive prowess.
Japan's next match will be against host nation Germany on September 5 at 9 a.m. Pacific time, a challenging fixture that will test their resolve and skill.
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