USA Advances to World Cup Final After Hard-Fought Win Over Spain

The United States is headed back to the World Cup gold medal game after battling past Spain 76-66 in Saturday night’s semifinal in Berlin.

The victory improved the USA to 5-0 in the tournament and sets up a rematch with France, which defeated host Germany 86-64 in the other semifinal. The matchup will mirror the 2024 Olympic gold medal game.

The USA faced an early challenge from Spain, which jumped out to a 9-1 lead. The Americans got on the board with a three-pointer from Chelsea Gray, and the game remained competitive throughout the opening quarter.

Paige Bueckers gave the USA its first lead, 17-16, with less than two minutes remaining in the first. The Americans carried a 21-18 advantage into the second quarter.

Spain continued to keep the pressure on, but the USA maintained a narrow edge heading into halftime, 39-36.

The third quarter saw the lead change hands again. Spain tied the game on an early three-pointer and briefly moved ahead 45-44 with 7:30 remaining in the period. The USA answered, but Spain stayed within striking distance. Megan DiLeo, née Gustafson, tied the game at 56 with 1:32 remaining, and the teams entered the fourth quarter even at 58.

The USA finally created separation in the final frame.

The Americans scored the first two baskets of the quarter, including a Jackie Young layup, and never trailed again. A Gray layup midway through the quarter pushed the lead to 70-60.

Spain managed to cut the deficit to eight points twice, but the USA’s depth and defensive pressure helped close out the semifinal and secure a spot in Sunday’s championship game.

Breanna Stewart led the USA with 16 points, while Young added 12 points, five rebounds, four assists and two steals.

Gray finished with five points, two rebounds and two assists after taking a hard hit to the face early in the game. She returned to the floor after briefly leaving the game.

For Spain, Maria Conde and Iyana Martin each scored 17 points.

The USA will face France for the gold medal Sunday, Sept. 13, at 11 a.m. ET. The game will air on TNT, TruTV, HBO Max and Courtside 1891.

Spain and Germany will meet earlier Sunday at 7:30 a.m. ET in the bronze medal game.