United States defeats China in FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup debut

26 sources • 5 min read • Latest: Sep 13, 2026, 10:17 AM

Last updated Sep 13, 2026

United States defeats China in FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup debut
Summary

The United States secured a 94-61 victory over China on Friday in the FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup at Max-Schmeling-Halle in Berlin. This win marks the 31st consecutive World Cup victory for the U.S. squad as they pursue a fifth straight gold medal. Caitlin Clark made her senior national team debut, contributing 14 points and 11 assists in over 25 minutes of play off the bench. Paige Bueckers and Rhyne Howard also recorded 14 points each to help overcome a physical challenge posed by China’s 7-foot-3 center Zhang Ziyu. The U.S. successfully limited China to 32% shooting while maintaining a 47-41 rebounding advantage throughout the game.

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By the Numbers
  • •The United States defeated China 94-61 in Berlin during the group phase.
  • •Caitlin Clark recorded 14 points and 11 assists in her senior national team debut.
  • •The U.S. outrebounded China 47-41 despite the size of Zhang Ziyu.
  • •Coach Kara Lawson utilized a lineup that combined veteran leadership with new talent like Clark and Paige Bueckers.
Latest Updates
  • 10:17 AMYahoo Sports — Where to watch Caitlin Clark, USA Basketball vs. France
  • 12:10 AMYahoo Sports — USA Basketball schedule: When Caitlin Clark plays next in FIBA World Cup
  • 10:00 PMYahoo Sports — Fever news: Fans are fed up with Caitlin Clark's lack of Team USA playing time
  • 6:28 PMYahoo Sports — Why Is Caitlin Clark Still Coming Off the Bench for Team USA Despite Her Impact?
  • 5:45 PMYahoo Sports — Team USA vs Spain: why is Caitlin Clark not starting in FIBA World Cup semifinal?
  • 4:45 PMYahoo Sports — USA Basketball vs. Spain: Caitlin Clark points, stats in FIBA World Cup
  • 12:02 PMYahoo Sports — ‘She better’ – WNBA analyst makes emphatic Caitlin Clark point about crucial Team USA game
  • 11:38 AMYahoo Sports — How to watch Caitlin Clark, USA vs Spain in FIBA World Cup today
What they're saying
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Team USA defeated Team Spain 76-66 in their FIBA World Cup game on Saturday. Once again, Caitlin Clark, a 2026 WNBA MVP candidate , did not start the game. Clark’s playing time has been a subject of discussion throughout the tournament. Many fans and even some media members were especially fed up after Clark saw just under 17 minutes of playing […] The post Fever news: Fans are fed up with Caitlin Clark's lack of Team USA playing time appeared first on ClutchPoints.

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The Indiana Fever superstar Caitlin Clark has been coming off the bench throughout Team USA’s journey through the group stage and quarterfinals of the ongoing FIBA World Cup in Germany. And regardless of dissenting voices on whether the superstar deserves more game time, all indications prove Clark’s current role will likely remain unchanged. Head coach [...]

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Caitlin Clark doesn’t even have to score 30 points anymore. She can drop 14 points and 11 assists in her World Cup debut, help Team USA cruise past China and somehow still become the biggest story in women’s basketball. That’s the Caitlin Clark effect. And yes, before someone starts screaming that she didn’t start or…

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