The United States secured a spot in the Fiba Women’s Basketball World Cup final for the fifth consecutive tournament by overcoming a resilient Spain team 76-66 on Saturday in Berlin. The reigning four-time champions pulled away in the fourth quarter after a closely contested game, setting up a final against France on Sunday.
Breanna Stewart led the American effort with 16 points, while Kahleah Copper contributed 13 and Jackie Young added 12. The contest remained tight into the final period, with the score tied at 58-58 heading into the fourth quarter. Spain had taken an early advantage, leading 13-4 midway through the first quarter and maintaining a narrow 39-36 lead at halftime.
Spain’s María Conde and Iyana Martín were instrumental in keeping their team in contention, each scoring 17 points. Both players hit key three-pointers and Martín’s free throws with less than a minute remaining in the third quarter tied the game. Despite holding the United States to 40 percent shooting overall, Spain struggled with three-point accuracy, making just three of 18 attempts. In contrast, American guard Caitlin Clark struggled from beyond the arc, scoring only one point and missing all three of her three-point shots.
The decisive stretch came in the fourth quarter, when Copper and Young scored early and Stewart helped the U.S. build an eight-point lead with over six minutes left. Young’s steal and layup extended the margin to 76-64 with under two minutes remaining, effectively sealing the win. U.S. coach Kara Lawson praised her team’s defensive effort in the final period, noting their discipline in guarding the ball, contesting screens, and boxing out to limit Spain to just eight points.
First-time World Cup participant Aliyah Boston described the game as having an intensity reminiscent of the NCAA Final Four, emphasizing the importance of team effort, energy, and readiness when called upon.
The victory extends the United States’ winning streak at the Women’s World Cup to 35 games. The Americans have not lost a match at this event since a 2006 semifinal defeat to Russia.
The upcoming final will feature a highly anticipated rematch of the 2024 Olympic gold medal game, where the United States narrowly defeated France 67-66 in a dramatic finish. Copper expressed enthusiasm about this matchup, highlighting the competitive nature of both teams.
France advanced to the final by defeating host nation Germany 86-64 in their semifinal contest earlier on Saturday. The stage is now set for Sunday’s showdown between two of the world’s leading women’s basketball teams.