Team USA opened its campaign at the 2026 FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup in Berlin with a decisive 94–61 group-stage victory over China at the Max-Schmeling-Halle.
The Americans controlled the game early, establishing a 27–14 advantage in the opening quarter and utilizing quick ball movement and high-intensity defense to keep China at bay.
Caitlin Clark led the charge for Team USA, posting a double-double with 14 points and 11 assists. Operating as the engine of the offense, Clark shared team-high scoring honors alongside Paige Bueckers and Rhyne Howard—who also added 14 points apiece—while setting the pace with her playmaking.
PAIGE AND CAITLIN MAKING THE CHINA TEAM DANCE 😮💨😮💨😮💨😮💨 pic.twitter.com/PkPEVHSDnO
— barbra version (@sacbabi) September 4, 2026
China leaned heavily on its interior presence to stay competitive, featuring 7-foot-3 center Zhang Ziyu. However, veteran WNBA center Han Xu delivered China’s standout performance, posting a team-high double-double of 11 points and 10 rebounds to anchor their frontcourt.
Despite China’s frontcourt size, Team USA’s transition play and bench depth proved overwhelming across four quarters. The victory extended the Americans’ long-standing winning streak in senior FIBA World Cup play and got their tournament off to a 1–0 start in Group D.
Full gamehighlights;
Team USA next opponent will be Italy on 6th Sept.
