From Jewel to Opal: Reid's precious rise to the World Cup

The 2026 FIBA World Cup in Germany will be the biggest international tournament of Steph Reid's career.

After playing a key role in helping the Opals win gold at the 2025 Asia Cup, Reid was selected in Sandy Brondello's Australian side for the September 4-13 tournament.

That team is headlined by WNBA stars Alanna Smith (Dallas), Ezi Magbegor (Seattle), Jade Melbourne (Seattle), Isobel Borlase (Atlanta), Sami Whitcomb (Phoenix) and Steph Talbot (Las Vegas), who were all part of the Opals' bronze medal-winning side in Paris.

While those six headline the green and gold squad, each of the 12 players have a specific role in Brondello's side.

For Tasmania Jewels recruit Steph Reid, that is creating shots from others and setting the tone defensively - roles which she is embracing.

"I know my role is to be a great defender, to get other people open and score when I can but more so get feet in the paint in attack and create for our whole team of shooters as well as composure and knowing the playbook inside out," Reid said to ESPN.

"I've shown over the last two years that's my strength. I've tried to continue developing other parts of my game but I've really fed into my role within the Opals, really accepted and embraced that and that's probably what's got me into this position in the first place - having that understanding and they [the coaches] don't ever have to worry that I'm going to play outside my role.

"I know it, accept it, and I'll do anything it takes to help the team if my time is called."

Reid's Opals will be looking to improve on their bronze medal at the 2022 World Cup in Sydney.

Australia, who are in Group C, open their tournament against Puerto Rico on September 4, before games against Türkiye and Belgium.

Australian Opals' 2026 FIBA Women’s World Cup squad:

- Zitina Aokuso (Adelaide Lightning)
- Chloe Bibby (Chicago Sky/WNBA)
- Isobel Borlase (Bendigo Spirit and Atlanta Dream/WNBA)
- Isobelle Bourne (Sydney Flames)
- Alex Fowler (Townsville Fire)
- Ezi Magbegor (Seattle Storm/WNBA)
- Jade Melbourne (Bendigo Spirit and Seattle Storm/WNBA)
- Steph Reid (Tasmania Jewels)
- Alanna Smith (Dallas Wings/WNBA)
- Steph Talbot (Adelaide Lightning and Las Vegas Aces/WNBA)
- Sami Whitcomb (Perth Lynx and Phoenix Mercury/WNBA)
- Ally Wilson (Sydney Flames)

Australian Opals' 2026 FIBA Women’s World Cup schedule:

- Australia v Puerto Rico - Friday, September 4 - 7.30pm AEST
- Australia v Türkiye - Sunday, September 6 - 7.30pm AEST
- Australia v Belgium - Monday, September 7 - 7.30pm AEST

Read the full story here >> Steph Reid clear on Opals role ahead of World Cup debut