Social media erupts after FIBA releases World Cup MVP list with Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese but no Jackie Young
Fans questioned how Team USA's leading scorer could be left out while several of her teammates made the top 10.
FIBA's latest MVP rankings for the 2026 Women's Basketball World Cup have triggered a strong reaction after Jackie Young was omitted despite leading Team USA in scoring.
The official list had Gabby Williams first, Breanna Stewart second and Caitlin Clark fifth, while Paige Bueckers and Angel Reese were ranked eighth and 10th, respectively.
Young , however, was nowhere to be found despite averaging 11 points per game through four appearances and scoring 44 points for the unbeaten Americans.
One fan immediately questioned the decision, writing: "How the f*** is CC in top 5 and there is no Jackie Young? Who even makes these lists?"
Another added: "Having Clark so high and no Jackie young is diabolical."
Fans question Caitlin Clark's ranking
Clark still leads Team USA with seven assists per game, but her difficult performance against Italy remained fresh in the minds of many fans.
She scored just one point in that game, going 0 for 6 from the field as the United States narrowly escaped with a 55 to 52 victory.
That performance appeared to fuel criticism of her position on the MVP list, especially with Young absent despite being Team USA's most consistent scorer.
"Where’s Jackie Young’s name? Where’s Rhyne Howard? This is how you know it’s about biases and politics. #FIBAWWC," another fan wrote.
Jackie Young omission becomes the main talking point
Young's case goes beyond scoring alone. She has been Team USA's leading offensive option during its 4 to 0 start and was also the first American to appear on the tournament's overall scoring list.
Her performances have left fans increasingly frustrated that she hasn't received the same MVP recognition as some of her teammates.
"Where is Jackie young??? She has been #1 since voting started," one fan wrote.
Another was even more definitive: "The MVP is Jackie Young. Case closed."
A final reaction summed up the mood around the rankings: "Jackie Young is the correct answer."
Team USA now moves on to face Spain in the semifinals, but the MVP discussion is unlikely to disappear.
If Young continues leading the Americans offensively, FIBA may face even more questions about why she wasn't on the list in the first place.
