Aliyah Boston USA opens World Cup vs China in Berlin; LA28 dream

Aliyah Boston exclusive: “We know it won’t be a walk in the park” — Team USA’s star center on her first World Cup and LA28 dream

She was the No. 1 pick, the Rookie of the Year, and an All-Star in every season she’s played in the WNBA. But until this week, Aliyah Boston had never worn USA colours at a senior World championship. In an exclusive interview in Berlin, she explains her long journey from the US Virgin Islands to the lofty heights of international basketball.

When Aliyah Boston takes to the court for the USA’s opening game of the FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup 2026 against the People’s Republic of China on Friday (4 September), she’ll add the latest milestone to a career already full of them.

The 24-year-old entered the WNBA as the No. 1 pick of the 2023 Draft, following an exceptional collegiate career at the University of South Carolina. Her junior season alone brought a national title and the AP Player of the Year award, and the summer before it, she’d won FIBA AmeriCup gold with the USA.

Boston made an immediate impact as a professional thanks to her elite footwork, exceptional passing ability, and perimeter shooting, taking Rookie of the Year honours unanimously and earning the first of four consecutive All-Star selections.

But for all the accolades, the 6ft 5in center had, until now, never been picked for the USA at an Olympic Games or a World Cup. This month in Germany, that changes.

Humble beginnings in the US Virgin Islands

Boston was born in Saint Thomas in the US Virgin Islands, where she would binge-watch basketball — Candace Parker being a particular favourite of hers.

She left home when she was just 12 for New England to chase basketball opportunities, eventually starring at Worcester Academy in Massachusetts. From a Caribbean island to prep school gyms, South Carolina, the WNBA and now a Berlin World Cup, it’s been quite a journey.

“It’s been a long one,” Boston agrees. “I feel like when you’re a young athlete, and you’re able to wear USA across your chest, there’s nothing more than being able to wear it on the senior stage. It’s just gratitude, and I’m just feeling super blessed .”

While still in high school, Boston (far left) helped the USA women’s 3x3 team win gold at the Youth Olympic Games Buenos Aires 2018.

Missing out on Paris 2024

Boston was not part of the squad that won gold at Paris 2024 — the USA’s eighth consecutive Olympic title. While many would have excused her if she felt stunned by the omission — especially following another All-Star campaign, Boston feels differently.

“Was I surprised that I didn’t make it? Not really. But I think it was definitely motivation to just be able to say, ‘Hey, I want to wear this jersey on the senior stage. I want to be able to really rep the country at the World Cup, at the Olympics’.

“I knew that I had to work, because you don’t just get to be put on this team. And so for me, right now, it’s like, ‘Whoa, OK, here we are’.”

The Paris final finished 67-66, with France denied at the buzzer when Gabby Williams ’ final shot was ruled a two-pointer, her foot just inside the three-point line. It was the closest anyone had come to ending the USA’s Olympic dominance in years. Boston, though, sees it less as a warning than a reminder of the standard that comes with wearing the jersey.

" Growing up watching the USA, the standard is gold. We’ve known that since we were young . France came really close in Paris, but at the end of the day, [we] won.

“We know the World Cup isn’t going to be a walk in the park. We just have to come in, work, stay focused, stay locked in and do what we do best.”

A bigger job than expected

The USA arrived in Germany without two of their biggest names. A’ja Wilson and Kelsey Plum withdrew for health reasons and were replaced by Washington Mystics pair Sonia Citron and Kiki Iriafen .

Wilson’s absence in particular leaves a significant gap in the frontcourt; one Boston — currently averaging 16.9 points, 8.3 rebounds, 3 assists, and 1.3 blocks per game — will be expected to help fill: “We’re the ones that are here now, so we just have to make sure that we do everything we can to win.”

The USA are seeded first in Group D alongside the People’s Republic of China, Italy and Czechia as they chase a fifth consecutive world title. Boston, though, is not looking beyond the immediate task.

“You can’t come into a tournament like this and think that you can overlook any single team,” she says. “Every single team that’s here is ready to compete, and they want to win gold.”

Boston in a Team USA practice ahead of the FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup 2026 in Berlin, Germany. (Photo by )NO USE FRANCE

The World Cup champions will secure a direct place at the Olympic Games LA28 . The USA are already qualified as hosts, so there’s no Olympic ticket on the line for Boston here. The ambition to compete at the Games, though, is very much alive.

“Of course, I think that’s every young girl’s dream. Every athlete’s dream is to be able to represent their country at the Olympics. I want to be able to win gold for my country , wearing my country’s jersey. But right now, we’re just focused on the World Cup.”

Back in the Virgin Islands, her family will be watching every step of it.

“They never miss a game,” Boston says. “They’re going to probably get up early on some nights, but they’re going to be tuned in.”

And when Boston gets the chance to go home, she tries to make sure the journey does not stop with her.

“Every time I go home, I try to host a camp or I try to do something for the young girls, so that they know they can continue to dream big,” she says. “Just because we grew up on a tiny island doesn’t mean that our goals and dreams are unreachable.”

Basketball | Women´s World Cup | Berlin | Germany