On Saturday, September 12, 2026, in Berlin, the United States women’s national basketball team defeated Spain 76-66 to reach the FIBA Women’s World Cup final. Led by Breanna Stewart’s 16 points and Kahleah Copper’s 13 points, the U.S. overcame a slow offensive start and a nine-point deficit to secure their 35th consecutive tournament win, setting up a championship rematch against France.
Fantasy & Market Impact
Surviving the Spanish Defensive Clamps in Berlin
The semifinal matchup at the FIBA Women’s World Cup tested the resilience of the American squad in ways the earlier rounds simply hadn’t. According to CBS News reporting, the U.S. struggled to establish any offensive flow against a physical Spanish defense that forced whistle-heavy sequences throughout the first half. Spain stunned the tournament favorites early by scoring nine of the game’s first ten points, creating the largest deficit the U.S. had faced all tournament.
Trailing 16-9 late in the opening period, the U.S. bench injected much-needed energy, sparking a 12-2 run to stabilize the contest. But the physical defensive pressure persisted. The Americans spent a staggering amount of the game at the foul line, taking 27 free throws in the first half alone—connecting on 19 of them—while managing just 26 total field-goal attempts across the same span. A narrow 39-36 halftime advantage reflected how effectively Spain disrupted the reigning champions’ customary transition offense.
Fourth-Quarter Surge Secures the Championship Berth
The tension peaked as the scoreboard read 58-58 heading into the final frame. But the veteran pedigree of the U.S. roster eventually solved the puzzle. The Americans seized control by launching a decisive 12-2 run out of the quarter break, building a 70-60 lead with just 5:20 remaining on the clock. Spain failed to pull closer than eight points down the stretch, sealing a 76-66 final score.
| Team | Final Score | Free Throws Made/Attempted | Leading Scorers |
|---|---|---|---|
| United States | 76 | 27 / 35 | Breanna Stewart (16), Kahleah Copper (13) |
| Spain | 66 | Not Reported | Not Reported |
With this hard-earned victory, according to CBS News, the U.S. extended its remarkable winning streak to 35 straight games in World Cup competition, dating back to a semifinal defeat against Russia in 2006. The program now stands just one victory away from capturing a fifth consecutive tournament title, a feat that would match the former Soviet Union for the most consecutive championships in the history of the event.
Looking Ahead to the Final Rematch
The championship showdown brings a familiar foe: France. This upcoming fixture serves as a direct rematch of the 2024 Paris Olympics gold medal game, a thriller that the U.S. narrowly secured by a single point. Meanwhile, Spain prepares to face host nation Germany in the bronze medal game on Sunday, September 13, 2026.
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