COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. — Former Notre Dame standouts Sonia Citron and Jackie Young have been named to the USA Basketball roster for World Cup qualifying in 2026.
The 12-player roster will represent the U.S. at the 2026 FIBA Women’s World Cup Qualifying Tournament in San Juan, Puerto Rico, from March 11-17, 2026.
The USA, who have already qualified for the 2026 FIBA Women’s World Cup in Berlin by winning the 2025 FIBA Women’s AmeriCup.
Young is no stranger to Team USA, as she won a gold medal during the 2024 Olympics with the team. Citron will be making her first appearance on the senior national team after a stellar rookie season in the WNBA.
Young is one of two players in program history to earn “triple crown” status — a WNBA title, an NCAA national championship and an Olympic gold medal.
In just three seasons with the Irish, Young amassed 1,351 points, 685 rebounds, 378 assists and 128 steals before becoming the No. 1 pick in the WNBA draft by the Las Vegas Aces. Young helped the Irish win the 2018 national championship and was an AP Third Team All-American following the 2018-19 season, her final in South Bend.
Citron is the only player in program history to record 1700 points, 700 rebounds and 300 assists. She recorded 1774 points (12th), made 173 triples (eighth) and finished with a lifetime free throw percentage of 84.3 (fifth). She set the program record in the latter category last season with a mark of 91.2.
Additionally, Citron was a three-time All-ACC Selection, earned All-America Honorable Mention status in both 2023 and 2025, was a 2025 Cheryl Miller Award finalist, and was the 2022 ACC Rookie of the Year. She also helped lead Notre Dame to an ACC Tournament title in 2024 and regular season titles in both 2023 and 2025.
The U.S. opens competition March 11 vs. Senegal, followed by Puerto Rico (March 12), Italy (March 14), New Zealand (March 15) and Spain (March 17).
USA Basketball Women’s National Team managing director Sue Bird selected the roster and will continue to evaluate players prior to selecting a team for the 2026 FIBA Women’s World Cup, which will take place from Sept. 4-13 in Berlin. The USA will seek their fifth consecutive World Cup gold medal and 12th overall.