Caitlin Clark Makes Team USA FIBA World Cup Roster After Missing Out on Paris Olympics

The last time USA Basketball decided on a roster to compete in a major international tournament, Caitlin Clark was left out, as the organization felt that they needed to rely on their veteran experience in the face of the ever-increasing competition from other nations.

At the time, many felt that the organization and the WNBA were doing women’s basketball a disservice. They pointed out that with the increasing interest in the game, they should capitalize on it and take Clark along.

Even if she were to just warm the bench, her presence would draw more eyes to the game than ever before. However, Team USA did not change their decision, and the veteran team eventually won the gold medal again.

Fast forward to this year, and those same naysayers were relieved when Clark was called up to be a part of the regional qualifying that went to Puerto Rico.

Not only did she stay healthy, but the Indiana Fever star went on to win tournament MVP. That sort of gave an indication that the 24-year-old should be a part of the final team that will head to Berlin.

In addition to that, the point guard has been playing at an elite level over the past month and a half. The FIBA Women’s World Cup is less than a month away, and USA Basketball had to keep in mind that form translates well when the going gets tough.

The 12 going for our 12th World Cup title 🏆

🇺🇸 #USABWNT x @Google pic.twitter.com/aZCTZj17Gb

— USA Basketball (@usabasketball) August 6, 2026

That is why they chose to include Caitlin Clark in the World Cup team. The Iowa native will be traveling as part of the 12-member American team that also includes her Fever teammate, Aliyah Boston.

Angel Reese and Paige Bueckers will join Caitlin Clark as part of the young brigade

Boston and Clark are just two of the younger players USA Basketball director Sue Bird added to the team. It is still veteran-heavy with stars such as A’ja Wilson, Breanna Stewart, Napheesa Collier, Chelsea Gray, Jackie Young, Kelsey Plum and Kahleah Copper.

However, the organization knows it has to bring in younger superstars so they can gain vital experience ahead of the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. On that note, Bird added Paige Bueckers, Angel Reese, and Rhyne Howard to the mix.

Unsurprisingly, all three are All-Stars and playing at a high level. Their performances this season have justified this selection. Moreover, despite their WNBA rivalries, the quartet did build some chemistry during the qualifiers.

It seems Bird is trying to create a second-unit core that can take over whenever they want to mix it up. Opposing teams will find it difficult to first handle established league MVPs and champions, and then take on the best five young Americans when the starters rest.

Caitlin Clark and her USA Basketball teammates will battle in Berlin against the best international teams

The FIBA Women’s World Cup will take place from September 4th to 13th. Set to be played between two arenas in Berlin, the tournament will feature Caitlin Clark and her USA Basketball teammates as they aim to continue the tradition of winning the gold medal.

However, there will be a bunch of good teams looking to stop the Americans’ run. From Paris Olympics runners-up France to the ever-consistent Belgium, Australia, Germany, and others will be looking to be the first to topple Team USA.

In 2024, the way A’ja Wilson and her teammates had to dig deep to ensure they continued USA’s winning streak, the pressure will be on Clark, Bueckers, Howard, Reese, and Boston to ensure there is no dip in the team’s production.

They will have to learn on the fly how physical international basketball is, and adjust accordingly. In the midst of this, there will be no doubt that most of the eyes will be on the point guard. How she sets up her teammates will define Team USA’s success.

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