Caitlin Clark’s first words after winning World Cup with Angel Reese

Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese added another chapter to their basketball careers after helping Team USA complete its run at the 2026 FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup. The two WNBA stars were part of the United States roster in Berlin, where Team USA defeated France 97-79 in the championship game.

Clark and Reese played together for the national team after spending recent years as opponents in college basketball and the WNBA. Their partnership was one of the major storylines of the tournament. Clark and Reese connected on several plays during Team USA’s run, including in the quarterfinal victory over Hungary.

Advertisement

The World Cup marked the first senior global championship appearance for both players. They joined a roster that included Breanna Stewart, Napheesa Collier, Paige Bueckers and Aliyah Boston.

MORE: USA wins 5th straight FIBA Women’s World Cup in front of record crowd

Caitlin Clark celebrates Team USA’s World Cup gold medal

Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images

After the final, Clark posted a brief message on X to celebrate the victory.

“WORLD CUP GOLD MEDALIST!!!!!!!!!!!🥇,” Clark wrote.

The post came after Team USA won the FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup, extending the program’s success in international competition.

Advertisement

Clark played an important role in the tournament during her first World Cup appearance. She opened the competition with 14 points and 11 assists against China, finishing the tournament with 47 points and 32 assists

Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese share World Cup success

Reese also played a part in Team USA’s title run, giving the Americans another presence around the basket.

Clark and Reese first became national stars during their college careers, when LSU defeated Iowa in the 2023 NCAA championship game. They later became WNBA opponents with the Indiana Fever and Atlanta Dream.

This time, they were teammates for Team USA. The World Cup title gives both players their first senior international gold medal.

— Enjoy free coverage of the top news & trending stories with The Big Lead Newsletter —