The United States had to grind through its toughest test of the tournament Saturday in Berlin, pulling away from Spain 76-66 to book a place in the women’s FIBA World Cup final.
USA holds off Spain, sets World Cup final rematch with France
Breanna Stewart scored 16 points and Kahleah Copper added 13 as the Americans survived a physical Spanish defense and a fourth-quarter deadlock. The U.S. will meet France in the championship game, a return matchup from the 2024 Paris Olympics final, which the Americans won by one point.
The victory extended the U.S. World Cup winning streak to 35 games, dating back to the semifinal loss to Russia in 2006. One more win would deliver a fifth straight World Cup crown and tie the former Soviet Union’s record for consecutive titles.
Quick facts
- Final score: United States 76, Spain 66.
- Stewart led the U.S. with 16 points; Copper scored 13.
- The game was tied 58-58 entering the fourth quarter.
- The U.S. made 27 of 35 free throws, including 19 of 27 before halftime.
- Spain will face host Germany in Sunday’s bronze medal game.
Spain jumped on the Americans early, scoring nine of the game’s first 10 points and building a 16-9 advantage. It was the largest deficit the U.S. had faced in this World Cup, surpassing its three-point hole against Italy in the 55-52 win.
The U.S. bench changed the temperature late in the opening quarter. With the newcomers on the floor, the Americans closed the period on a 12-2 run and took control after the rough start.
Still, there was no easy offensive rhythm. Spain’s physical coverage repeatedly sent the Americans to the foul line; the U.S. attempted 27 free throws in the first half while taking only 26 shots from the field. The Americans carried a 39-36 lead into halftime.
Spain stayed attached through three quarters and pulled even at 58 heading into the final 10 minutes. Then the U.S. found its separation, opening the fourth on a 12-2 burst for a 70-60 lead with 5:20 remaining.
That was the Americans’ largest lead of the afternoon, and Spain never cut the margin below eight from there. The teams had not met at a World Cup since the U.S. defeated Spain for gold in 2014, Stewart’s first tournament with the national team.
SEO Title: USA Beats Spain 76-66, Advances to FIBA World Cup Final
SEO Description: Breanna Stewart scored 16 points and Kahleah Copper had 13 as the United States beat Spain 76-66 in Berlin, setting up a World Cup final against France.
