The 2026 FIBA World Cup commenced for Team USA on September 4, 2026, as they faced off against China in Berlin. Despite a roster filled with elite talent from the WNBA, one of the most notable players, Caitlin Clark, was surprisingly not included in the starting five.
Team USA's starting lineup featured Napheesa Collier, Kahleah Copper, Chelsea Gray, Breanna Stewart, and Jackie Young. Clark, who is currently second in the WNBA for assists and third in scoring, was relegated to the bench for the opening match, a decision that quickly drew criticism from fans and analysts alike.
This decision is particularly striking given Clark's impressive performance in the WNBA, where she has established herself as one of the league's premier players. Her exclusion from the starting lineup raised eyebrows, especially considering her Indiana Fever teammate Kelsey Mitchell, who ranks second in the league in scoring, was also not included in the starting five.
Clark's omission from the starting lineup is not an isolated incident. During her rookie season, she was left off the Team USA roster entirely for the 2026 Olympic Games. At that time, Clark expressed a positive outlook, stating that the experience would serve as motivation for her future endeavors. "I think it just gives you something to work for. That’s a dream. Hopefully one day I can be there," she said, highlighting her determination to represent her country.
When she eventually secured a spot on the national team in 2025, Clark expressed her gratitude, calling it an immense honor to wear the USA jersey. However, the current decision to bench her has reignited discussions about the selection process and the politics involved in team formations.
Fans and commentators quickly took to social media to voice their outrage over Clark's benching. Many expressed disbelief that a player of her caliber would not be starting, with one fan account remarking on the lack of new talent in the starting lineup. Another commentator highlighted Clark's transformative impact on women's basketball, criticizing the decision as "spectacularly stupid." The sentiment was echoed by numerous voices in the sports community, who questioned the rationale behind the choice.
As the tournament progresses, all eyes will be on Clark to see how she performs coming off the bench. The backlash against Team USA's decision underscores the high expectations surrounding Clark and the broader implications for women's basketball. Her ability to change the dynamics of the game has made her a focal point for fans, and her role in this tournament will be closely scrutinized.
With the FIBA World Cup underway, Team USA will need to navigate not only their competition on the court but also the growing scrutiny from fans regarding their roster decisions. The impact of Clark's performance off the bench could have significant ramifications for her future with the national team and the perception of the selection process.
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