The USA women’s national basketball team has opened its FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup campaign with a flawless 3‑0 record, highlighted by a dominant 105‑64 victory over Czechia on September 7. The win not only secured top spot in Group A but also extended the Americans’ streak of 33 consecutive World Cup victories that dates back to 2006.
At the core of the surge are standout performers such as Caitlin Clark, who is averaging 8.0 points and 6.3 assists per game, and Jackie Young, the tournament’s leading scorer with 11.3 points per contest; Paige Bueckers and Breanna Stewart contribute 10.3 points each, while Angel Reese adds a dynamic presence on the wing.
Coach Kara Lawson steers the squad, assisted by Stephanie White, Natalie Nakase and Nate Tibbetts, while health concerns have sidelined A’ja Wilson and Kelsey Plum; the roster also includes Rhyne Howard, Sonia Citron, Kahleah Copper, Chelsea Gray, Cydney Henderson, Cooper Worth, Aliyah Boston and others, providing depth for the competition.
The next test arrives in the quarterfinals on September 10, when the United States will meet the winner of the Hungary‑versus‑Japan matchup; the tip‑off time has yet to be announced, but the Americans enter the knockout round as strong favorites after a 33‑game World Cup winning streak that dates back to 2006 and after earlier victories over China (94‑61) and Italy (55‑52).
After the World Cup, the Indiana Fever will resume WNBA play on September 18 against the Toronto Tempo, marking the first post‑tournament game for several members of the national team, including Caitlin Clark, who returns to the Fever’s lineup after a brief international hiatus.
Quarterfinal Prospects
With a perfect record and a 33‑game winning streak that stretches back to 2006, the Americans enter the knockout round as strong favorites, poised to extend their dominance against whichever European contender emerges from the Hungary‑Japan clash.
The depth of the roster, bolstered by players such as Angel Reese, Napheesa Collier and the aforementioned contributors, gives the USA flexibility to adjust tactics and maintain pressure throughout the quarterfinal and beyond.