Team USA kicked off the 2026 FIBA World Cup with a dominant 94-61 win over the Chinese National Team Friday. All twelve members of the roster scored, a stunning feat in what's only the first game for the Americans.
Several players scored in the double digits: Caitlin Clark had 14 points and 11 assists, Jackie Young had 12 points, Paige Bueckers had 14 points, and Rhyne Howard also added another 14 points to the team's tally. Angel Reese put up 9 rebounds.
The game was something of a litmus test for the team's young core, as several of the players on Team USA are competing at the senior level for the first time. The team breezed through the first quarter, fought off an attempted surge from China in the second, and easily closed out the second half of the game.
The US will next play Italy on Saturday.
The match was a strong showing for the Americans, who are hoping to win their ninth consecutive World Cup tournament. Team USA has so far won eight of the last ten. While speaking to reporters, head coach Kara Lawson noted the size of China's team (which has 19-year-old Ziyu Zhang, who is 7'3", on its roster) and said she felt her squad "did a good job" of "managing that."
Caitlin Clark, who was met with plenty of cheers from fans, also spoke about the team's performance today, and about the reception from fans. As she put it, "It's so fun to see all of the fans, and their excitement, and how much the women's game is growing globally. Even after the game, there's just so much excitement -- and not only for myself, for so many players on this team, and that's a really cool thing. I think that'll only continue to grow as we progress through the tournament."
WNBA players are all over this year's World Cup
This year's tournament has participation from dozens of WNBA players besides those playing on Team USA. Awa Fam (Seattle Storm) helped lead Spain to a 83-53 win over Germany; Fam is joined on the Spanish National Team by Megan DiLeo and Iyana Martin of the Portland Fire (Martin was drafted by the Fire this season but opted to remain in Europe). Luisa Geiselsoder (Fire), Frieda Buhner (Fire), Leonie Fiebich (New York Liberty), and Nyara Sabally (Toronto Tempo) also the also play on the German National Team. France boasts Carla Leite (Fire), Gabby Williams (Golden State Valkyries), Dominique Malonga (Storm), and Marine Johannes (Liberty). Stephanie Talbot (Las Vegas Aces) is representing Australia.
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