Defending champions Team USA defeated Spain 76-66 on Saturday in Berlin to advance to the Women’s FIBA World Cup final, where they will face France in a rematch of the 2024 Paris Olympics gold medal game. The victory, secured with an 18-8 fourth-quarter surge, extends the U.S. winning streak in the tournament to 35 consecutive games dating back to 2006.
The Americans struggled early against Spain, which opened with a 9-1 lead, but a second-unit offensive explosion led by Caitlin Clark sparked an 11-0 run to take control. Breanna Stewart led the U.S. with 16 points and 6 rebounds, while Kahleah Copper (13 points) and Jackie Young (12 points, 5 rebounds) contributed key late scoring. Spain, despite a resilient effort led by Iyana Martín, could not overcome the deficit, falling 76-66.
Earlier, France defeated Germany 86-64 in the other semifinal, securing the largest winning margin by a non-U.S. team in a World Cup semifinal. Gabby Williams recorded a near triple-double with 22 points, 5 rebounds, 5 assists, and 4 steals, marking France’s first World Cup medal since finishing third in the inaugural 1953 tournament.
U.S. head coach Kara Lawson emphasized the significance of the win, noting the team’s awareness of the 9/11 anniversary and the emotional weight of representing the country. “We think about that,” Lawson said. “I felt the presence of the U.S. here, even though we are in Europe. I felt it, and certainly felt it yesterday in 9/11 and, you know, a somber anniversary.”
The final will be a rematch of the 2024 Olympics gold medal game, which the U.S. won by a single point. Stewart, making her World Cup debut in 2014, reiterated the team’s focus: “This is going to be challenging, and obviously we have the biggest one tomorrow. But that’s what we’re here. We’re going for gold, and that’s what we’re going to do.”
The U.S. advanced despite shooting 40% from the field and committing 15 turnovers, while Spain’s aggressive defense forced early struggles. The Americans, who have won four consecutive World Cup titles, will aim for a fifth straight championship to tie the former Soviet Union’s record.
Key Moments:
- Spain’s 9-1 start set the tone early, but the U.S. responded with an 11-0 run.
- Breanna Stewart’s free throws in the fourth quarter helped extend the lead to 10 points.
- France’s 22-point performance from Gabby Williams highlighted their semifinal dominance.
- The U.S. shot 27-for-35 from the foul line, including 19 in the first half.
The championship game is scheduled for Sunday, with both teams seeking their first World Cup title since 2014 (U.S.) and 1953 (France).