Caitlin Clark makes feelings clear after Team USA World Cup decision

Caitlin Clark makes feelings clear after Team USA World Cup decision originally appeared on The Sporting News.
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Caitlin Clark has already collected plenty of individual accomplishments during her young WNBA career. Representing the United States, however, carries a different meaning for the Indiana Fever star. Clark was selected for Team USA’s 12-player roster for the 2026 FIBA Women’s World Cup in Germany. The announcement came after she earned MVP honors at the qualifying tournament in San Juan, Puerto Rico, in March.

Before Indiana’s game against the Las Vegas Aces on Thursday, Clark addressed the decision and made it clear she does not take the opportunity lightly.

“Anytime you wear USA across your chest, it’s a tremendous honor,” Clark said.

The Fever guard will not be making the trip alone. Indiana teammate Aliyah Boston also earned a roster spot, giving the two franchise cornerstones an opportunity to compete together on the international stage.

Caitlin Clark eager to join loaded Team USA roster

Clark said she was excited to be surrounded by players who already have extensive experience representing the United States. The roster includes A’ja Wilson, Breanna Stewart, Napheesa Collier, Chelsea Gray, Kelsey Plum, Jackie Young, Kahleah Copper, Rhyne Howard, Paige Bueckers and Angel Reese. Several members of the group have previously won Olympic gold medals or competed in the World Cup.

For Clark, sharing the experience with Boston makes the selection even more meaningful.

“Obviously I get to share it with AB, too, so it’s pretty cool and pretty fun,” Clark said.

Clark’s inclusion should come as little surprise. She was averaging 21.5 points and 8.0 assists per game for Indiana at the time of the announcement, ranking third in the WNBA in scoring and second in assists. She also earned another All-Star selection and worked her way into the league MVP discussion.

Her performance in the qualifying tournament strengthened her case. Clark helped the United States secure its place in the World Cup and walked away with tournament MVP honors.

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Fever playoff race remains Clark’s immediate focus

Although Clark is thrilled about representing Team USA, she is not looking too far ahead. The Fever remain in the middle of a demanding portion of their WNBA schedule, and Clark acknowledged that Indiana’s playoff pursuit must command her attention for now. She described the upcoming stretch as a challenging month featuring several strong opponents.

That means the celebration surrounding her Team USA selection will have to wait. Clark said she is approaching the remainder of the season one day at a time. Still, she repeatedly emphasized how much the national-team opportunity means to her and how excited she is to represent the country.

The 2026 FIBA Women’s World Cup begins Sept. 4 in Germany. Team USA will open group play against China before facing Italy and Czechia. The tournament is scheduled to conclude Sept. 13. Clark will enter the event as a World Cup newcomer, but she has already shown she can thrive in international competition. Now, the Fever star will have an opportunity to play alongside many of the WNBA’s biggest names while chasing another gold medal for the United States.

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