U.S. Women Beat Spain, Advance to World Cup Final Against France

BERLIN — The United States women’s basketball team is headed back to the FIBA World Cup championship game after surviving its toughest test of the tournament.

The four-time defending champions defeated Spain 76–66 on Saturday, Sept. 12, using a decisive fourth quarter to advance to Sunday’s final against France. The matchup will revisit the 2024 Olympic gold-medal game, which the Americans won by a single point.

Breanna Stewart led the United States with 16 points, while Kahleah Copper added 13 and Jackie Young scored 12. María Conde and Iyana Martín each scored 17 for Spain.

Spain repeatedly disrupted the American offense and held the United States to about 40 percent shooting. The teams entered the fourth quarter tied at 58 before the U.S. defense tightened and the Americans created separation with a 12–2 run. Spain scored only eight points in the final period.

The victory extended the United States’ World Cup winning streak to 35 games and placed the program in the final for a fifth consecutive tournament. The Americans have not lost a World Cup game since the 2006 semifinal.

Head coach Kara Lawson credited the late defensive effort for changing the game. The former WNBA player and Olympic champion is guiding a roster filled with many of the most recognizable stars in women’s basketball, including a strong group of Black athletes whose impact continues to shape the sport at home and internationally.

Copper’s scoring was especially valuable during a game in which the United States could not rely on its usual offensive rhythm. The veteran guard-forward has built a reputation for aggressive drives and pressure defense, qualities that became increasingly important as Saturday’s semifinal tightened.

France reached the title game by defeating host Germany 86–64 earlier Saturday. Gabby Williams delivered 22 points, five rebounds, five assists and four steals, leading France into its first Women’s World Cup final. The result also guaranteed the French their first medal in the competition since the inaugural tournament in 1953.

Sunday’s championship will carry both history and unfinished business. France came within one point of ending the United States’ Olympic dominance in Paris two years ago. The Americans, meanwhile, are seeking a fifth straight World Cup title and their 12th championship overall.

The final is scheduled for Sunday, Sept. 13, at 2 p.m. Eastern time in Berlin. Spain will face Germany for the bronze medal earlier in the day.

Sources: Reuters, Sept. 12, 2026; The Guardian, Sept. 12, 2026; and FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup.

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