All that fighting and quarreling among the fans was all for nothing. The MVP fan voting race between Paige Bueckers, Caitlin Clark, and Angel Reese was as topsy-turvy as it gets. All three led it at some point, and social media was blowing up with the rivalry taking center stage. Yet, many failed to notice an important disclaimer. 

“This Fan Vote is not an official statement from FIBA. It is created solely to enhance the experience of the fans watching the FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup 2026 Qualifying Tournaments,” FIBA wrote on its official website. Finally, the MVP has been decided by the FIBA Committee based on the metrics, and it is none other than Caitlin Clark.

Despite starting just one game, there’s no denying that Clark made a tremendous impact on the squad in all five games. The Fever star accumulated the most minutes on the team with 21.2 per game. Clark averaged 11.6 points on 52.9% shooting, 1.6 rebounds, and a tournament-best 6.4 assists. She also knocked down 2.0 triples per contest on a 40.0% clip, leading Team USA to an unbeaten 5-0 record. 

“The Tissot MVP of the tournament is none other than Ms. Caitlin Clark.” The announcer said. “It’s undeniable the impact she’s made on women’s basketball, and here in Puerto Rico, had quite the showing. Her debut with the senior team, the double-double with both points and assists.”

This is the second MVP award Clark has won while playing for the national team. Clark received the MVP while competing for Team USA’s under-19 team back in 2021 during their World Cup championship run. In that tournament, Clark averaged 14.3 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 5.6 assists and was also named as a part of the five-member all-tournament team. 

This time as well, Clark forms the five-member Qualifying all-star team with fellow American Kelsey Plum, Megan Gustafson from Spain, Cecilia Zandalasini from Italy, and Imani McGee-Stafford from Puerto Rico. After this massive individual honor, Clark immediately received many wishes. 

Congratulations Pour In For Caitlin Clark After MVP Win 

This award is a testament to just how talented Caitlin Clark is. Coming back from multiple soft tissue injuries that cut her 2025 WNBA season short and playing competitive basketball for the first time in 8 months, she delivered a statement campaign. This could be a sign for even better performances to come in the 2026 WNBA season with the Indiana Fever. 

“MVP CC,” the Fever posted shortly after the news. “Congrats to Caitlin Clark on being named the MVP of the 2026 FIBA Women’s World Cup Qualifying Tournament.” In Clark’s 13 games with the Fever, she struggled from the three-point line, going 27.9% on 8 attempts per game. Fortunately, Clark has her shot back. “She’s baaack,” wrote Lexie Hull. 

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Coach Brandon Payne, who is also Golden State Warriors superstar Stephen Curry’s coach, reposted Clark’s MVP post to his IG story, signaling respect. There are rumors that Clark trained with him this offseason, and Payne himself publicly praised Clark. “Her compact shooting is up and out with a quick release. She has incredible distance. One reason is she has tight, repeatable mechanics and shoots through her core and wrist. She lives in her work,” Payne explained.

That could be one of the reasons she was able to return close to her best so quickly. Her actions are smooth, and her basics are almost perfect. Her IQ just adds to that skill set. She was able to communicate and work effectively with new teammates like Angel Reese and Paige Bueckers. That is a very good sign for Team USA come the World Cup. In this tournament, she largely came off the bench and even played off the ball at times. Once she is given a clear role and significant minutes, Clark’s impact will be even higher.