Full Breakdown
Bench Power Fuels Team USA’s World Cup Quarterfinal Push
9/10/2026, 6:09:58 AM
Background & Context
The World Cup is being held in Berlin, Germany, from early September through the 23rd. Clark, a former Hawkeye and the No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 WNBA Draft, and Reese, a former LSU star and seventh-overall pick in 2024, joined a roster that mixes WNBA All-Stars with a sizable group of first-time senior players. Their debut came after the 2024 Olympic gold-medal game, and both have been used primarily as reserves to preserve the veteran starters’ minutes.
Data & Statistics
- Caitlin Clark – 8.0 points, 6.3 assists (team-leading), 2.7 rebounds per game; averages 21:54 of playing time; shooting 30.4 % from the field and 25 % from three-point range; plus/minus +58.
- Angel Reese – 8.7 points, 6.0 rebounds per game; 57.1 % shooting; recorded 13 points and six rebounds in the 105-64 win over Czechia; totals 26 points and 18 rebounds in the group stage.
- Team USA – 3-0 group record; 105-64 victory over Czechia marked the 33rd consecutive World Cup win dating to 2006; the squad will meet Hungary on Thursday, with the game televised on TNT and HBO Max.
Criticism & Opposition
Former ESPN anchor Linda Cohn has publicly questioned Lawson’s decision to keep Clark and Reese off the starting lineup. Cohn argued that the benching limits their impact and asked why veteran Chelsea Gray remains the starting point guard despite lower production, suggesting the coaching choice could affect the team’s chances.
What’s Next
The United States’ next test comes on Thursday against Hungary. The winner will move on to face the victor of the Australia-Spain quarterfinal in the semifinals. With the tournament now single-elimination, Lawson’s rotation decisions and the continued production of Clark, Reese and the other bench players will be pivotal to preserving Team USA’s historic winning streak.
