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Spain has booked a semifinals berth in the FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup on Thursday, setting up a clash with Team USA. Spain star Megan DiLeo, opened up about USA head coach Kara Lawson’s decision to continue playing Indiana Fever superstar Caitlin Clark off the bench.
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Clark continues to put up solid numbers despite not being part of the starting unit. However, the starting backcourt of Las Vegas Aces teammates Jackie Young and Chelsea Gray has been consistent. More importantly, Team USA has secured four wins in four games with this current rotation.
DiLeo acknowledged that it doesn’t matter whether Clark starts. The Spanish star acknowledged that Clark is the type of player who can impact games regardless of her role. The Portland Fire center admitted that she doesn’t see Spain having an advantage with her fellow Iowa Hawkeyes alum coming off the bench.
“I don’t think so,” DiLeo said. “I think she’s just a great player. It doesn’t really matter when she goes into the game. She’s going to make a good impact.
“We just got to be ready for her and for the rest of the roster. They’re talented. They’re deep. It kind of doesn’t really matter who comes in. We just have to be at our top defensively and offensively.”
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Caitlin Clark starting or coming off the bench? Doesn’t matter.
Spain’s Megan DiLeo tells @JackThompsonFOX she’s a game-changer the second she steps on the court. 🔥 pic.twitter.com/5nQTM6etFF
— OutKick (@Outkick) September 10, 2026
DiLeo and Spain won against Australia, 89-66. She scored a game-high 16 points on 7-of-11 shooting, along with two rebounds and one steal. Iyana Martin contributed 14 points, two rebounds, four assists and three steals.
Team USA, meanwhile, triumphed over Hungary, 108-56. Napheesa Collier led the attack with 19 points and seven rebounds, while Rhyne Howard added 15 points. Clark, Young and Kahleah Copper each scored 10 points. The semifinals matchup will take place on Saturday.
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This story was originally published September 11, 2026 at 4:33 AM.