After a challenging WNBA season where she appeared in only 13 games due to a persistent groin injury and a bone bruise in her left ankle, Caitlin Clark has been officially named to the 12-player Team USA roster for the 2026 FIBA Women’s World Cup Qualifying Tournament.
The 24-year-old guard, who has spent the last several months undergoing intensive rehabilitation with the Indiana Fever medical staff, arrived at training camp in Miami this past Friday.
Her return marks the end of an eight-month hiatus and the beginning of her journey with the senior national team as they prepare for the World Cup in Berlin this September.
Despite the long layoff, Clark expressed a mix of typical pre-game nerves and profound excitement during a media availability on Saturday.
“It’ll probably take me a second to knock a little bit of the rust off,” Clark admitted. “I’ll probably be a little bit nervous, which I usually don’t get nervous but that probably comes from I haven’t really played basketball in a while.
“I’m sure after the first minute of running around on the court, I’ll be just fine. But more than anything, just really excited. I know how much work and how much time I put in to make sure my body’s as healthy as it can be and to get back.”
Team USA transitions to San Juan for final qualifying push
The tournament, scheduled to take place at the Coliseo de Puerto Rico from March 11 to 17, serves as the first major test for Team USA under new head coach Kara Lawson.
While the Americans have already secured their spot in the 2026 World Cup by virtue of their 2025 FIBA Women’s AmeriCup victory, the San Juan qualifiers represent a critical opportunity to integrate rising stars like Clark, Paige Bueckers, and Angel Reese with established veterans.
The roster chosen by national team managing director Sue Bird features a fusion of talent, including Olympic gold medalists Kelsey Plum, Jackie Young, Chelsea Gray, and Kahleah Copper. For Clark, who famously missed out on the 2024 Paris Olympic squad, this debut is a vital stepping stone toward her long-term goal of competing in the 2028 Los Angeles Games.
Before the team’s departure for Puerto Rico, Clark took to social media on Sunday to share a personal update with her followers. Her “photo dump” on Instagram featured behind-the-scenes glimpses of the Miami training camp, including shots of her donning the No. 12 jersey and relaxing with teammates Aliyah Boston, Kelsey Mitchell, and Lexie Hull.
“little bit of life lately,” Clark captioned the post, which quickly garnered thousands of interactions from a fanbase eager to see her back in action.
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