May 17, 2026; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Las Vegas Aces center A'ja Wilson (22) reacts after a three point basket against the Atlanta Dream in the first quarter at State Farm Arena. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images
May 17, 2026; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Las Vegas Aces center A'ja Wilson (22) reacts after a three point basket against the Atlanta Dream in the first quarter at State Farm Arena. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images
USA Team has won 36 consecutive matches in the World Cup tournament since 2006, a run that was maintained even while one of their most popular players remained at home in Berlin.
Jaime Lardis, a well-known podcaster for WNBA, commented on X after the victory of Team USA against France in the Championship, saying, "Sorry A'ja Wilson, Your services are no longer needed."
Deutschland: Basketball, FIBA Womens World Cup, USA vs. China am 04.09.2026 in Berlin Max-Schmeling-Halle: Caitlin Clark USA, 12 Angel Reese USA, 15 *** 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 Copyright: xSvenxHeidmannx
Deutschland: Basketball, FIBA Womens World Cup, USA vs. China am 04.09.2026 in Berlin Max-Schmeling-Halle: Caitlin Clark USA, 12 Angel Reese USA, 15 *** 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 Copyright: xSvenxHeidmannx
This statement carries more weight given the status of Wilson, who was the top scorer for Team USA at the 2024 Olympics in Paris and MVP at the 2022 FIBA World Cup, before pulling out of this competition on grounds of ill health, along with Kelsey Plum.
This withdrawal generated a lot of buzz weeks ahead of the tournament, with speculation gathering momentum after Team USA won easily despite her absence.
The lack of Wilson became a story in its own right after USA Basketball failed to provide any details about his injury, as Linda Cohn wondered whether she did not want to share the stage with Caitlin Clark, who plays for the Indiana Fever.
Everything got even worse when Clark showed herself during her first appearance in a major tournament without Wilson, putting up 47 points and a tournament-high 32 assists in six games, which includes an American record 11 assists without a turnover in one game against China.
Team USA's roster proved its depth as France established a 14-point lead in the first half, but then Breanna Stewart, the tournament MVP, along with Jackie Young, pulled USA back for a 97-79 victory thanks to their 30-12 scoring margin in the third quarter.
And that's what makes the comeback such a true story, considering replacements Sonia Citron and Kiki Iriafen came into play without affecting the winning rhythm of their team in any way.
Team USA's Roster Overcame Wilson's Absence
MVP of the tournament Breanna Stewart scored 22 points and grabbed 10 rebounds in the final game, thus becoming the first American player to achieve such stats in the World Cup final since Lisa Leslie in 1998.
Jackie Young contributed 18 points, five assists, and five rebounds to be the first player to achieve such stats in a gold medal game in the history of the tournament.
The USA team had the second-youngest World Cup team ever, with players like Clark, Angel Reese, and Paige Bueckers participating in their debut with the national team.
This combination was adequate to make up for the lack of two star players on the team, proving yet again why Lardis viewed Wilson’s departure as ultimately inconsequential to their fifth consecutive gold medal quest.
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Written by
Utsav Gupta
Edited by
Utsav Gupta