Team USA began its FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup 2026 title defence with a strong performance in Berlin. The opening game also offered an early look at how the team is blending experienced stars with a new generation of talent.
Rhyne Howard and Jackie Young led the scoring, while Caitlin Clark and Paige Bueckers gave fans a glimpse of an exciting new partnership. Their second half connection could become an important part of Team USA’s tournament campaign.
Quick Facts
| What happened | Team USA opened its FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup 2026 campaign. |
|---|---|
| Location | Berlin, Germany |
| Key players | Caitlin Clark, Paige Bueckers, Rhyne Howard and Jackie Young |
| Clark’s debut | 14 points and 11 assists |
| Rhyne Howard | 14 points |
| Jackie Young | 12 points |
| Head coach | Kara Lawson |
| Key storyline | Team USA is combining experienced stars with a new generation of players. |
| Why it matters | Clark and Bueckers showed promising chemistry during their first World Cup appearance together. |
Team USA Starts Its Title Defence
Team USA entered the tournament with plenty of experience. Its starting five brought together 14 World Cup and Olympic gold medals.
That experience helped the team settle quickly in Berlin. Howard and Young played important roles on offense and combined for 26 points.
Howard scored 14 points, while Young added 12. Their calm play gave Lawson the control she needed during the opening game.
Caitlin Clark Makes a Strong World Cup Debut
She quickly showed that she could adapt.
Her impact went beyond the numbers. Clark helped change the pace of Team USA’s offense.
She focused on driving into the paint and drawing defenders toward her. That approach opened space for other USA players.
Clark also praised the experience around her.
“When you’re surrounded by that experience, you just try to take the wisdom they give you,” Clark told the media.
She also highlighted the depth across the roster. Clark said the guards and post players gave her plenty of options when creating plays.
Paige Bueckers and Clark Find Their Rhythm
Paige Bueckers took longer to settle into the game. Her role grew in the second half, and that is when her connection with Clark became especially noticeable.
Lawson was pleased with the partnership.
“I thought Caitlin and Paige played off each other really well,” Lawson said.
She pointed to their ability to stretch the floor and create plays. Both players can attack gaps and make decisions with the ball.
Experience Meets a New Generation
Chelsea Gray provided her trademark passing ability during the first half. Breanna Stewart also helped create fast break opportunities.
At the same time, Clark and Bueckers showed what the next stage of the USA programme could look like.
That balance gives Lawson several options. She can rely on experienced players when games become difficult. She can also turn to younger guards when the pace or matchup calls for a change.
Lawson admitted that managing those options will require difficult decisions.
Team USA Blends Youth With Experience
Clark finished her World Cup debut with 14 points and 11 assists.
Clark and Bueckers developed a strong connection in the second half.
Lawson praised the pair’s ability to play together against a zone defence.
The USA roster combines experienced Olympic and World Cup champions with younger players making their mark.
