Spain’s small forward #09 Helena Pueyo (L) and USA’s guard #04 Paige Bueckers vie for the ball during the 2026 FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup semi-final match between Spain and the United States in Berlin on September 12, 2026. (Photo by Tobias SCHWARZ / AFP via Getty Images)
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In a closely contested FIBA World Cup semifinal, Team USA eventually pulled ahead of Spain in the fourth quarter to secure a 76-66 victory. The win advances the Americans to the championship game, where they will take on France in pursuit of a fifth straight FIBA World Cup title.
Leadership from veterans Breanna Stewart, Kahleah Copper, and Jackie Young carried the USA, as they were the only players on the roster to reach double digits. Stewart posted 16 points on 67% shooting and added six rebounds, while Copper contributed 13 points and Young added 12.
12 September 2026, Berlin: Women’s Basketball: World Championship, Spain vs. USA, Knockout Round, Semifinals. The U.S. team high-fives after the game. Photo: Andreas Gora/dpa (Photo by Andreas Gora/picture alliance via Getty Images)
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Young recorded double-digit scoring in all five of Team USA’s FIBA World Cup games, placing herself in strong contention for tournament MVP honors.
The contest remained tight through the first three quarters, with Spain continually pressuring the Americans and tying the game at the end of the third period.
Team USA extended its lead to 10 points with under six minutes remaining in the fourth quarter and maintained that advantage through the end of the contest. The Americans also significantly increased their defensive intensity in the final period, holding Spain to just eight points.
Following the game, Stewart acknowledged that it was not the team’s finest performance, saying, “We continued to do the little things, honing in on the rebounding, making sure we were getting to the offensive glass, and defensively we picked it up in the second half.”
A fourth-quarter defensive surge proved decisive despite Team USA’s struggles from beyond the arc, converting just three of 18 three-point attempts (17%) and recording more turnovers (15) than assists (6) for the game.
Players gather together during the 2026 FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup semi-final match between Spain and the United States in Berlin on September 12, 2026. (Photo by Tobias SCHWARZ / AFP via Getty Images)
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Spain showed promise despite the defeat, with young talents Maria Conde of the Toronto Tempo and Iyana Martin, the 2026 seventh-round pick of the Portland Fire, each scoring 17 points. WNBA rookie Awa Fam, selected third overall in the 2026 draft, fell just short of a double-double with nine points and eight rebounds.
With the loss, Spain will play Germany on Sunday, September 13, at 10:15 am ET on TruTV, streaming on HBO Max, in the bronze medal game, while USA and France clash for the gold.
France’s #12 Iliana Rupert (L) and USA’s #09 A’ja Wilson go for a rebound in the women’s Gold Medal basketball match between France and the USA during the Paris 2024 Olympic Games at the Bercy Arena in Paris on August 11, 2024. (Photo by Paul ELLIS / AFP via Getty Images)
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USA vs. France: A Rematch from the 2024 Paris Olympics
The upcoming final is expected to be a fierce contest, as France makes its first-ever FIBA World Cup final appearance and looks to avenge a one-point loss to Team USA at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
France lost 67-66 after Gabby Williams appeared to sink a game-winning three-pointer that was ultimately ruled a two-pointer when officials determined her foot was on the line.
Both teams face a compressed turnaround heading into the title game. Team USA must focus on reducing turnovers and improving its three-point shooting, while France has shown a penchant for the long ball, hitting 37% from beyond the arc across its quarterfinal and semifinal games.
France is quick, agile, and resourceful, anchored by the experience of Williams and Marine Johannes and bolstered by young talent in center Dominique Malonga (Seattle Storm), Carle Leite (Portland Fire), and Janelle Salaun (Golden State Valkyries).
For the USA, offensive options abound through veterans Stewart, Copper, Young, Chelsea Gray, and Napheesa Collier, complemented by the energy of its younger players. As Paige Bueckers described it, the debuting squad — featuring Bueckers, Caitlin Clark, Angel Reese, and Aliyah Boston — brings a “young and turnt” spark off the bench.
BERLIN, GERMANY – SEPTEMBER 12: Breanna Stewart of USA goes for a layup during the FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup Germany 2026 semi-final between Spain and USA at Berlin Arena on September 12, 2026 in Berlin, Germany. (Photo by Mami Yasui/FIBA via Getty Images)
FIBA via Getty Images
Asked about the France matchup, Stewart admitted, “Tough one. They’re a really tough team. They’re shooting the [expletive] out of the ball this tournament, but we have a quick turnaround… We will flip the page for France.”
Copper echoed Stewart’s assessment, saying, “I think they [France] have been amazing this entire tournament, so just two great teams are going head to head.”
With a World Cup title at stake and unfinished business from Paris, the USA-France rematch stands as one of the most anticipated games of the tournament. The championship game is scheduled for 1:15 pm ET on TBS and will also stream on HBO Max.
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