Team USA survives Spain scare with fourth-quarter surge to reach FIBA Women's World Cup final
Team USA defeats Spain to book World Cup final spot
In a dramatic semifinal at the FIBA Women’s World Cup, the United States edged Spain 76‑66, securing a berth in the championship match against France. The win marked the U.S. team’s fifth straight World Cup title, a streak that began in 2006.
The contest was tightly contested through the first three quarters. Both teams trailed Spain’s 58‑58 score at the start of the final period. The Americans, however, turned the game on its head in the fourth quarter, outscoring the Spaniards 18‑8. “We just kept doing the little things,” said forward Breanna Stewart after the game. “We focused on rebounding, making sure we got to the offensive glass. Defensively, we stepped up in the second half.”
Stewart, who finished with 16 points and six rebounds, was joined by Kahleah Copper, who added 13 points, and guard Jackie Young, who contributed 12 points and five rebounds. Young’s clutch play was especially evident in the last quarter, where she scored six of her 12 points as the U.S. pulled away. Stewart also noted that the next challenge— the gold‑medal match against France— will be even tougher, but the team remains focused on their objective. “This is going to be challenging, and obviously we have the biggest one tomorrow…we’re going for gold, and that’s what we’re going to do,” she said.
Spain’s offensive spark came from Maria Conde and Iyana Martín, each scoring 17 points, but the team could muster only eight points in the final quarter. The Spanish attack fell short on long range, making just three of 18 attempts from beyond the arc. Despite the loss, the Spanish side kept the game within reach for most of the afternoon.
The U.S. shot 40 percent from the field, but efficiency was hampered by 15 turnovers and only nine assists— a noticeable drop from their previous semifinal against Hungary, where they posted a higher assist total. Coach Kara Lawson admitted the team struggled with ball handling during the first half. “We need to be a little more precise in our coverages,” Lawson said. “Uncharacteristic turnovers cost us opportunities. We have to stay aggressive and stay calm.”
Stewart’s teammate Caitlin Clark, who had led the squad with double‑double stats in earlier games, saw limited action and finished with just one point, one assist, and one rebound on 0‑for‑3 shooting. Other contributors, Paige Bueckers and Angel Reese, tallied six and five points respectively.
The American roster now looks to the final, where they will face France, a team that has proven to be a formidable opponent in the tournament. Stewart described the French side as “a really tough team,” but the U.S. players remain confident that their focus on fundamentals and resilience will carry them forward.
With the victory, Team USA has once again extended their dominance at the Women’s World Cup, setting the stage for another shot at the gold medal.
