The United States Women’s national team is officially headed to the 2026 FIBA World Cup Finals! They punched their ticket with a 76-66 victory over Spain, and man, Breanna Stewart was absolutely clutch, leading the charge with 16 points. Talk about getting it done when it matters most.
Team USA Grinds Out a Spot in the Final
This wasn’t some runaway blowout for Team USA, even though they were a 23.5-point favorite against Spain. They found themselves only up by three points at halftime, with Stewart already putting up eight and Paige Bueckers adding six. But you know this squad, they don’t back down. The fourth quarter was pure domination, holding Spain to a measly eight points to seal the deal.
Their journey to the final has been impressive, starting with a perfect 3-0 run in group play against China, Italy, and Czechia. That earned them a first-round bye and a direct shot at the quarterfinals, where they absolutely ran over Hungary with a 108-56 win. Against Spain, Kahleah Copper added 13 points, Jackie Young chipped in 12, and Napheesa Collier had 7. Even with Caitlin Clark only putting up 1 point and Angel Reese contributing 5, this team found a way to win. It was a grind against Spain, but they got it done.
France, Revenge, and History on the Line
Now, the real test is coming, and trust me, France is not just another opponent. They’re gunning for blood after falling to Team USA by a single point in the 2024 Paris Olympics final. That memory has to sting, and they’re looking to put a stop to what would be a record-breaking 12th title and a fifth straight championship for the Americans.
France has been an absolute freight train this tournament, making light work of everyone in their path. Led by Golden State Valkyries star Gaby Williams, they’ve defeated all five of their foes by at least 22 points. Think about that dominance! In the semifinals, they took down Germany 86-64, and in the quarterfinals, they handled China 90-61. Compare that to Team USA’s tighter games, like that three-point scare against Italy or even the ten-point win over Spain. It’s also worth noting this USA team looks a bit different than the one that won gold in Paris. A’ja Wilson chose to skip the tournament for health reasons, and Sabrina Ionescu didn’t make the roster. France sees an opening, no doubt.
So, get ready! The final is set for Sunday, September 11, at 2 p.m. ET, and you can catch it on TNT, truTV, or HBO Max. This isn’t just about another championship; it’s about history for Team USA, and for France, it’s a chance to rewrite their own heartbreaking story. You absolutely can’t miss this one!
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Bleacher Report.
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