Caitlin Clark, Team USA receive unwanted update before World Cup quarterfinals

Caitlin Clark and Team USA are through to the quarterfinals of the FIBA World Cup. They advanced to the knockout stage after sweeping the group phase with a 3-0 record, defeating China, Italy and Czechia. However, the Indiana Fever star guard and the team received an unwanted update ahead of their game on Thursday.

Clark and Co. are coming off a 105-64 victory against Czechia, securing their quarterfinals spot. The three-time WNBA All-Star recovered from an uncharacteristic poor performance versus Italy, finishing with one point on 0-of-6 shooting. She started the tournament with a historic double-double and recorded the most assists by a USA player in the World Cup in 28 years. Clark bounced back in the win over Czechia with a nine-point, seven-assist stat line.

Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark (22) reacts after losing againt the Dallas Wings.

FIBA announces Caitlin Clark, Team USA update

FIBA posted its latest World Cup power rankings on Tuesday. Team USA is no longer at the top as France overtook them at No. 1 following huge wins over Hungary, Korea and Nigeria.

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Gabby Williams and Marine Johannes continue to lead France’s charge and are living up to expectations. The team also set a new World Cup record with 22 three-pointers in their 111-56 victory versus Nigeria.

The good news for Clark and Team USA is that power rankings won’t matter as long as they keep winning. They are on a collision course with France and could meet in the gold medal game if they both take care of business in the quarterfinals and semifinals. The Americans are aiming for their fifth consecutive world championship and remain the odds-on favorites to win this year.

Team USA will face Hungary on Thursday. If it advances, the team will then face either Spain, Italy or Australia. France, on the other hand, will take on Puerto Rico or China in the quarterfinals, and Belgium or Germany in the semifinals.