U.S. Women Beat Spain 76-66 to Reach FIBA World Cup Final
Wertynews.com – The U.S. women beat Spain 76-66 in a hard-fought FIBA World Cup semifinal, earning a place in the championship game against France. Breanna Stewart scored 16 points and Kahleah Copper added 13 as the Americans withstood Spain’s physical defense and pulled away late.
The victory sets up a rematch of the 2024 Paris Olympics gold medal game, which the United States won by one point. A win over France would give the Americans a fifth consecutive World Cup title, matching the former Soviet Union’s record for the longest championship streak in tournament history.
Late Run Breaks Open a Tight Semifinal
Spain kept the game close for three quarters, and the teams were tied 58-58 entering the fourth. The U.S. women beat Spain 76-66 by taking control at the most important moment, scoring 12 of the first 14 points in the final quarter.
That burst gave the Americans a 70-60 lead with 5:20 remaining, their largest advantage of the game. Spain continued to battle but never got closer than eight points the rest of the way.
Free throws played a major role in the result. The United States made 27 of 35 attempts from the foul line, finding points even when its offense was not operating at its usual level.
Spain’s Early Lead Tests the United States
Spain opened with nine of the game’s first 10 points and later led 16-9. It was the largest deficit the Americans had faced in the tournament, exceeding their three-point hole against Italy in a 55-52 victory.
The U.S. responded with a 12-2 run to close the first quarter, but Spain’s pressure continued to disrupt the Americans. The United States led only 39-36 at halftime after attempting 27 free throws and 26 field goals in the opening half.
Spain stayed within reach throughout the third quarter, forcing the Americans to rely on defense, poise and late-game execution. The U.S. women beat Spain 76-66 despite never finding the extended offensive rhythm it had displayed in earlier games.
Stewart Adds Another Chapter Against Spain
The semifinal carried special significance for Stewart. The previous World Cup meeting between the United States and Spain came in the 2014 final, a U.S. victory that marked Stewart’s first appearance with the senior national team.
More than a decade later, Stewart again helped deliver a major win over Spain. Her 16 points helped extend the Americans’ World Cup winning streak to 35 games. Their last loss in the competition came against Russia in the 2006 semifinals.
France Awaits in the Final
France will now try to stop the Americans’ pursuit of another World Cup crown. The matchup recalls the Olympic final in Paris, where the United States edged France by a single point for gold.
Saturday’s result showed the U.S. women beat Spain 76-66 through resilience as much as scoring. France will present another demanding test, but the Americans are one victory away from a historic fifth straight World Cup title.
FIBA World Cup Final FAQ
Who will the U.S. women play in the FIBA World Cup final?
The United States will face France in the championship game.
What was the score of the U.S.-Spain semifinal?
The United States defeated Spain 76-66.
Who led the United States in scoring against Spain?
Breanna Stewart led the Americans with 16 points, while Kahleah Copper scored 13.
What would a U.S. victory over France mean?
A win would secure a fifth consecutive FIBA World Cup title for the United States and tie the former Soviet Union’s record for the longest consecutive championship run in the event.
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