Deutschland: Basketball, FIBA Womens World Cup, USA vs. China am 04.09.2026 in Berlin Max-Schmeling-Halle: Caitlin Clark USA, 12 und Angel Reese USA, 15 Paige Bueckers USA, 4 *** German Basketball, FIBA Womens World Cup, USA vs. China on September 4, 2026, in Berlin at the Max Schmeling Halle: Caitlin Clark USA, 12 Angel Reese USA, 15 Paige Bueckers USA, 4 Copyright: xSvenxHeidmannx
Deutschland: Basketball, FIBA Womens World Cup, USA vs. China am 04.09.2026 in Berlin Max-Schmeling-Halle: Caitlin Clark USA, 12 und Angel Reese USA, 15 Paige Bueckers USA, 4 *** German Basketball, FIBA Womens World Cup, USA vs. China on September 4, 2026, in Berlin at the Max Schmeling Halle: Caitlin Clark USA, 12 Angel Reese USA, 15 Paige Bueckers USA, 4 Copyright: xSvenxHeidmannx
Caitlin Clark's World Cup photo dump became instant locker-room gold. Fans flooded in with their congratulatory comments. On top of that, it was met with appreciation from her national teammates.
On Sunday, Team USA clinched their fifth consecutive World Cup title against France. Clark's post captured the team's dominant run through Berlin. Her teammates were quick to hype her up in the comments.
“Yeahhhh C!!!” commented Breanna Stewart.
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - JULY 18: New York Liberty forward Breanna Stewart 30 dribbles with the ball in the first half of play during a WNBA, Basketball Damen, USA game between the New York Liberty and the Indiana Fever on July 18, 2026 at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, IN. Photo by Jeffrey Brown/Icon Sportswire WNBA: JUL 18 New York Liberty at Indiana Fever EDITORIAL USE ONLY Icon071826080
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - JULY 18: New York Liberty forward Breanna Stewart 30 dribbles with the ball in the first half of play during a WNBA, Basketball Damen, USA game between the New York Liberty and the Indiana Fever on July 18, 2026 at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, IN. Photo by Jeffrey Brown/Icon Sportswire WNBA: JUL 18 New York Liberty at Indiana Fever EDITORIAL USE ONLY Icon071826080
Stewart, a veteran securing her fourth World Cup, scored 22 points, 10 rebounds, and four assists in the final and won Tournament MVP. Her experience was crucial in leading the rookies in Berlin.
Just like Clark, Dallas Wings’ Paige Bueckers was playing her first World Cup. She commented only with a handshake emoji on Clark’s post.
Team USA head coach Kara Lawson also weighed in.
“Proud of you C!” Lawson commented on Clark's Instagram post.
Lawson opted to give Clark a bench role - a decision that was met with a lot of heavy criticism. However, in the end, Lawson's bench call proved prescient.
Moreover, Lawson's public endorsement underscored her confidence in Clark despite the bench role.
Fellow teammate Aliyah Boston also wrote a wonderful comment that echoed Team USA's team spirit.
“winning gold together >>>>>” wrote Boston.
Clark, Bueckers, Boston, and Howard all came into Berlin without a senior World Cup appearance.
However, the rookies under the leadership of the veterans showed up big-time for their nation.
In fact, Clark revealed the enormous impact Stewart had on the entire squad.
Rookies lean on veteran leadership
Clark, playing in her first World Cup, found Stewart’s leadership crucial for the squad. As always, the veteran stepped up on the big stage.
"Stewie's a winner. All she ever does is win," Clark said, per RoundtableSports' Grant Afseth. "She's been in so many of these moments, and when you have somebody like that on your team, it's just a really comforting thing."
Stewart won again, securing her fourth World Cup title. On top of that, she guided rookies, notably Clark, Bueckers, and Angel Reese, through the immense pressure.
Stewart has not lost a game in a senior United States uniform. She led the rookies to the same feat in Berlin.
Written by
Avishek Sarkar