Team USA Opens FIBA Women’s World Cup With 94-61 Win Over China Team USA began its 2026 FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup campaign in impressive fashion, beating China 94-61 in Berlin on Friday. The United States controlled most of the game and gradually turned an already comfortable lead into a decisive victory. The result also extended the Americans’ remarkable World Cup winning streak to 31 games. Caitlin Clark Makes an Impact on World Cup Debut Caitlin Clark was one of the biggest talking points of the opening game. Making her first appearance at a FIBA Women’s World Cup, the American guard finished with 14 points and 11 assists. Rather than relying only on her scoring, Clark played a major role in creating opportunities for her teammates. Her playmaking helped the United States maintain its offensive rhythm throughout the contest. Paige Bueckers also scored 14 points for Team USA, with all of her points coming during the second half. Rhyne Howard matched that total with 14 p...
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Team USA Opens FIBA Women’s World Cup With 94-61 Win Over China
Team USA began its 2026 FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup campaign in impressive fashion, beating China 94-61 in Berlin on Friday.
The United States controlled most of the game and gradually turned an already comfortable lead into a decisive victory. The result also extended the Americans’ remarkable World Cup winning streak to 31 games.
Caitlin Clark Makes an Impact on World Cup Debut
Caitlin Clark was one of the biggest talking points of the opening game. Making her first appearance at a FIBA Women’s World Cup, the American guard finished with 14 points and 11 assists.
Rather than relying only on her scoring, Clark played a major role in creating opportunities for her teammates. Her playmaking helped the United States maintain its offensive rhythm throughout the contest.
Paige Bueckers also scored 14 points for Team USA, with all of her points coming during the second half. Rhyne Howard matched that total with 14 points, while Jackie Young contributed 12.
USA Builds Control Early
The Americans established an early advantage, finishing the opening quarter with a 27-14 lead.
China showed some resistance in the second period after adjusting its defense. The Chinese team briefly reduced the deficit, but Team USA responded strongly before halftime and went into the break ahead 49-29.
The third quarter followed a similar pattern. China managed to cut the margin to 16 points at one stage, but the United States quickly regained control. Clark, Bueckers and Angel Reese helped the younger American lineup produce another strong run.
Zhang Ziyu Provides a Challenge for USA
China's 19-year-old center Zhang Ziyu attracted plenty of attention in her World Cup debut.
Standing 7 feet 3 inches tall, Zhang presented a difficult matchup around the basket. She finished with 13 points, making nine of her ten free throws.
Han Xu also made an impact for China, recording 11 points and 10 rebounds. Despite their contributions, China could not keep pace with the depth and scoring of the American side.
A Strong Start for the Defending Champions
The victory gives Team USA an ideal beginning to its World Cup title defense. The Americans have won the last four editions of the tournament and are seeking another championship with a roster combining experienced stars and younger players.
The result against China was particularly encouraging because several of the team's younger players made significant contributions in their tournament debuts.
Team USA will next face Italy in group-stage action on Sunday as it continues its pursuit of another FIBA Women's World Cup title.
Final Score
USA 94 — 61 China
Caitlin Clark: 14 points, 11 assists
Paige Bueckers: 14 points
Rhyne Howard: 14 points
Jackie Young: 12 points
Zhang Ziyu: 13 points