The United States Women’s National Basketball Team opened the International Basketball Federation Women’s Basketball World Cup Qualifiers with a series of dominant performances as they prepare for the 2026 World Cup in Berlin. 

Five teams have secured their spots in the World Cup before the beginning of the qualifiers. 

Germany, the host nation, qualified automatically, while Belgium, Australia, Nigeria and the U.S. earned their places by winning their respective continental championships in 2025. Regardless, they will all still compete in qualifiers from March 11-17.

Playing in San Juan, Puerto Rico, the U.S. began the tournament with a commanding 110-46 victory over Senegal on March 11. Senegal scored the first point of the game, but the U.S. quickly responded with a 15-0 run and maintained a comfortable lead for the rest of the game. Guard Rhyne Howard provided a spark off the bench to lead the U.S. with 21 points, shooting at 66.7% efficiency. 

In her senior national team debut, Caitlin Clark recorded a double-double with 17 points and 12 assists. This was Clark’s first competitive game in eight months after injuries during the WNBA season with the Indiana Fever.

“I thought I was going to be anxious, but I was just excited,” Clark told ESPN. “I’ve been preparing for this for a really long time,” she said. “There’s nothing like getting to run around out there and having fun, especially with a group of people as talented as this.”

Team USA followed that with another win, defeating Puerto Rico 91-48 on March 12 in front of their home crowd. The U.S. dominated in the paint, outrebounding Puerto Rico 49-30 and outscoring them 38-14. However, Puerto Rico continued to fight throughout the game, forcing 14 turnovers.

Rookie guard Paige Bueckers led the team with 16 points, four rebounds and three assists, earning TCL player of the game. Veteran guard Kelsey Plum also added 12 points while forward Angel Reese delivered a double-double off the bench with 10 points and 13 rebounds.

Despite the win, Clark noted areas for improvement.“I thought the game was a little clunky,” Clark said. 

“I thought we missed some of our defensive coverages, especially with how much we were, too, it really limits us in transition when we want to play fast.”The U.S. wrapped up the week with a 93-59 victory over Italy on March 14. The Americans delivered a balanced offense, putting their deep rotation on full display.

Forward Kahleah Copper led Team USA with 15 points, while guards Chelsea Gray and Jackie Young put up 11 points each. Off the bench, Clark and Bueckers contributed 12 points each.“We did a really good job with our defense, especially in the first quarter,” Gray said. “I think we allowed 11 points in that first quarter, and so we were able to get out in transition, not play too many set plays, and that’s what you want. It starts with defense for us.”Although the U.S. has qualified for the World Cup, the team continues to showcase its dominance in the qualifiers. 

With a mix of experienced players and young stars, the Americans remain undefeated. 

The World Cup is set to begin Sept. 4 in Germany, where the U.S. will look to continue its international success.