New Headline: Caitlin Clark Smashes Expectations in FIFA Women's World Cup Qualifiers with 2019 Thrills
Clark helped lead the United States to a 5-0 record and played some excellent basketball in the process.
Caitlin Clark hadn't appeared in a sanctioned basketball game in almost eight months before the 2026 FIBA Women's World Cup qualifying tournament. After a lengthy rehab process, Clark was ready to return to the court and make her senior national team debut for Team USA. Many people kept expectations low for the former Iowa superstar, not knowing what to expect after a long layoff from the game.
Clark demolished those expectations and then some. In five games with Team USA in the qualifying tournament, Clark helped lead her squad to an undefeated record while playing some incredible basketball in the process. Her performance in those games earned her another accolade for the collection.
Clark was named MVP of the tournament. IT’S OFFICIAL. CAITLIN CLARK IS YOUR TISSOT MVP.
🌟 #FIBAWWC x #WeOwnTheGame pic. twitter. com/QNONqdifSq — FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup (@FIBAWWC) March 18, 2026 Clark finished the tournament averaging 11.