Caitlin Clark and Team USA opened their 2026 FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup campaign in dominant fashion Friday, cruising past China 94-61 in Berlin. The Americans controlled the game despite facing a major challenge from China’s 7-foot-3 teenage star Zhang Ziyu and extended their World Cup winning streak to 31 games.
The win also gave several of the USA’s younger stars an opportunity to shine in their first senior World Cup appearance. Paige Bueckers and Rhyne Howard each scored 14 points, matching Clark for the team lead, while Jackie Young added 12. Angel Reese also made an impact with her energy and rebounding as all 12 American players scored at least two points.
Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images
Following the impressive opening win, Team USA announced Clark as its Player of the Game, recognizing the Indiana Fever star after an outstanding World Cup debut.
Clark finished with 14 points, 11 assists and no turnovers in 25 minutes. Her playmaking was particularly important as the Americans dealt with China’s size. Her 11 assists helped Team USA consistently create open looks, and she became the first U.S. player to record 10 assists in a World Cup game since Dawn Staley in 1998.
Bueckers and Howard provided the scoring punch, while Young’s 12 points helped the Americans maintain control. Meanwhile, China’s Zhang finished with 13 points and nine free throws made, while Han Xu added 11 points and 10 rebounds.
Clark and Team USA will now turn their attention to their second Group D game against Italy on Sunday, Sept. 6, at 2:45 p.m. ET. The Americans will then close group play against Czechia on Monday.
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