U.S. women top Spain 76-66 to reach the FIBA World Cup final against France
The U.S. survived a physical semifinal battle against Spain to set up a gold medal rematch against France, the tournament's most efficient offensive team.
A Warning Sign in the Semifinals
The U.S. Victory over Spain was far from the routine dominance seen in previous campaigns. According to The Star, Spain opened the game with nine of the first 10 points, handing the Americans a 9-1 deficit — the largest lead any opponent has held over the U.S. In this tournament. The struggle was primarily offensive. The U.S. Failed to establish a flow against a physical Spanish defense, resulting in a game dictated by whistles. The Americans attempted 35 free throws, converting 27 of them, while only managing 26 field-goal attempts in the first half. This inefficiency left the U.S. With a slim 39-36 lead at the break and a tied score of 58-58 heading into the final period. It was only in the fourth quarter that the U.S. Asserted control, scoring 12 of the first 14 points to build a 70-60 lead with 5:20 remaining. Breanna Stewart led the scoring with 16 points and 6 rebounds, while Kahleah Copper added 13 points on 5-of-9 shooting. The difficulty of this path is evident when compared to previous years. Yahoo Sports (CA) reports that the U.S. Won its previous four World Cup semifinals by an average of 26 points, including a 40-point victory over Canada in 2022.The French Offensive Threat
While the U.S. Labored, France dismantled Germany. Led by US-born Gabby Williams, who recorded 22 points, 5 rebounds, 5 assists, and 4 steals, France showcased a versatility that has defined their tournament. The French statistical profile presents a significant challenge for the American defense. France is averaging 96.2 points per game and shooting 51.6% from the field, outperforming the U.S. Average of 87.6 points per game. Furthermore, France's average margin of victory, 35.6 points, surpasses the U.S. Margin of 32.25 points.| Metric | United States | France |
|---|---|---|
| Average Points Per Game | 87.6 | 96.2 |
| Avg. Margin of Victory | 32.25 | 35.6 |
| Field Goal Percentage | Not Provided | 51.6% |
Rematching the Olympic Final
The final is more than a quest for gold; it is a redemption match for France. In the 2024 Paris Olympic final, the U.S. Won 67-66. That game ended in heartbreaking fashion for the French when Gabby Williams attempted a tying three-pointer at the buzzer, but her foot was on the line, reducing the shot to a two-pointer and securing the gold for the U.S. For France, the stakes are historical. The country has not won a World Cup medal since 1953, when it finished third. A victory on Sunday would mark their first gold medal in the tournament's history. The U.S., conversely, is chasing a legacy of continuity. They have won 35 straight World Cup games since a semifinal loss to Russia in 2006. Including the Olympics, their winning streak extends to 71 games. A fifth consecutive title would equal the record set by the former Soviet Union between 1959 and 1975.Frequently Asked Questions
What is the current winning streak for the U.S. Women in the World Cup?
The U.S. Has won 35 consecutive World Cup games, a streak that dates back to a semifinal loss to Russia in 2006.
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How did the U.S. And France last meet in a major final?
The two teams faced off in the 2024 Paris Olympics gold medal game, where the United States won 67-66.
Who is the top scorer for France in the 2026 tournament?
Gabby Williams is third in the tournament overall, averaging 18.4 points per game.
Tournament Scoring Leaders
France's high-powered offense is driven by a trio of scorers who have consistently challenged opposing defenses throughout the Berlin tournament.
- Gabby Williams: 18.4 PPG (3rd overall in tournament)
- Marine Johannès: 15.8 PPG
- Janelle Salaün: 12.0 PPG
While France’s offense has been a steady force, the U.S. Relied on individual surges to overcome Spain. Jackie Young contributed 12 points to the semifinal victory, with half of those coming in the fourth quarter. The victory maintained a perfect 6-0 all-time World Cup record for the U.S. Against Spain, though the path was far more erratic than in previous meetings. According to The Star, the U.S. Had trailed Italy by three points in a 55-52 win earlier in the tournament, but the 9-1 deficit against Spain stood as the steepest climb of the campaign.
The chronology of the semifinal showed the U.S. Attempting to stabilize early. After falling behind 16-9, the Americans used newcomers to spark a 12-2 run to close the first period. However, Yahoo Sports (CA) notes the team struggled to maintain that momentum in the second quarter, largely due to Spain's physical defensive style that forced the U.S. To rely heavily on the free-throw line.
The stakes for Sunday involve more than just the gold medal. For the United States, a win would represent their 12th overall championship. For France, the opportunity is a first-time achievement, as they have not reached a World Cup final since the semifinal round was introduced in 1986. France enters the match with an unbeaten record in the tournament, having most recently forced 25 turnovers from Germany in their semifinal win.
The bronze medal game between Spain and Germany is scheduled for 10:30 a.m. ET on Sunday, September 13, 2026. For the two finalists, the next step is the championship tip-off at 2 p.m. ET at Berlin Arena.
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