Team USA started the 2026 FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup with a commanding 94-61 win over China in Berlin on September 4. Caitlin Clark made a strong impression in her senior international debut, coming off the bench to post a double-double with 14 points and a team-high 11 assists, all without a turnover [1, 2, 3].
Clark’s 11 assists set a new record for most assists by a Team USA player in their World Cup debut. She also made three three-pointers and tied with teammates Paige Bueckers and Rhyne Howard for the team-high in scoring at 14 points [2, 3]. Clark was named FIBA Player of the Game and expressed excitement playing alongside experienced gold medalists, saying, "Being surrounded by five people that have won gold medals before, you just try to follow their lead and take every bit of wisdom they can give you" [2].
Coach Kara Lawson started veteran players Chelsea Gray, Jackie Young, Kahleah Copper, Napheesa Collier, and Breanna Stewart, with Clark playing the most minutes off the bench at 25. Young added 12 points, while Stewart contributed 7 points and 7 rebounds to support the victory [1, 2, 3].
The USA shot 45% from the field, outrebounded China 47-41, and recorded nine steals and six blocks throughout the game [3]. China was led by 7-foot-3 Zhang Ziyu, who scored 13 points with an efficient 9-for-10 from the free-throw line, and 6-foot-10 Han Xu, who added 11 points and 10 rebounds [1, 3].
With this win, Team USA extended its streak to 31 consecutive FIBA World Cup victories, dating back to a semifinal loss in 2006 [1]. The tournament continues as Team USA prepares for its next matchup in the coming days.
