Caitlin Clark, Team USA to face New Zealand at FIBA World Cup

The former Iowa star and rising Team USA players continue their World Cup Qualifying Tournament run on Sunday.

Mar. 15, 2026 at 10:05am

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Caitlin Clark and Team USA will continue playing in the FIBA World Cup Qualifying Tournament in San Juan, Puerto Rico, on Sunday with a game against New Zealand. The tournament marks the 24-year-old guard's return after a series of injuries in her second WNBA season. Team USA has already qualified for the World Cup, which is set for September, but is using the qualifying tournament to get reps for younger players and try out lineups and rotations.

Why it matters

Caitlin Clark's return to the national team is highly anticipated, as she is one of the rising stars in women's basketball. Her performance in the qualifying tournament could provide a glimpse into the future of Team USA and the direction of the program.

The details

The game against New Zealand will be broadcast on TruTV and streamed on HBO Max. Team USA's roster includes other young talents like Angel Reese, Paige Bueckers, Sonia Citron, and Kiki Iriafen, who are all making their senior national team debuts. The head coach is Kara Lawson, the Duke women's basketball coach, with a staff of assistant coaches.

  • The game against New Zealand is on Sunday, March 15 at 1 p.m. CT.
  • Team USA will also play Spain on Tuesday, March 17 at 4 p.m. CT.

The players

Caitlin Clark

A 24-year-old guard who is making her return to the national team after a series of injuries in her second WNBA season.

Kara Lawson

The head coach of Team USA and the Duke women's basketball coach.

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What’s next

Team USA will continue its FIBA World Cup Qualifying Tournament run against Spain on Tuesday, March 17 at 4 p.m. CT.

The takeaway

Caitlin Clark's return to the national team, along with the inclusion of other rising stars, signals an exciting new era for Team USA women's basketball. The qualifying tournament will be an important opportunity for the team to gel and prepare for the upcoming World Cup.