World Cup Semifinal
Unbeaten Team USA Faces Spain in FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup Semifinal
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Key Points
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In the quarterfinal against Hungary, Napheesa Collier led the United States with 19 points and six rebounds, while Rhyne Howard added 15 points off the bench and Caitlin Clark finished with 10 points and nine assists. The Americans also made a tournament-best 12 three-pointers on 23 attempts.
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Spain’s quarterfinal victory featured significant contributions from its reserves: Megan DiLeo led the team with 16 points, while Alicia Flórez posted 10 points, five rebounds, four assists and two steals, and Iyana Martin added 14 points, four assists and three steals.
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Spain is expected to retain a starting group featuring Iyana Martin and Maite Cazorla in the backcourt, with Maria Conde, Megan Gustafsson and Awa Fam completing the lineup; Gustafsson replaced Raquel Carrera during the quarterfinals.
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The United States has won 34 consecutive World Cup games, underscoring the scale of Spain’s challenge as the tournament reaches the semifinals.
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The United States’ 55-52 group-stage victory over Italy was its lowest-scoring World Cup win since a 42-38 victory over Australia in 1967, providing a notable warning that the Americans can be vulnerable in a tight game.
Team USA will face Spain in the FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup semifinal on Saturday in Berlin, seeking its fifth consecutive championship. The Americans enter unbeaten with a 34-game World Cup winning streak, while Spain earned its semifinal spot by defeating Australia 89-66 but suffered a group-stage loss to Mali that signals Team USA could face a genuine test Yahoo Sports.
The Americans have dominated the tournament behind a veteran starting core of Chelsea Gray, Jackie Young, Kahleah Copper, Napheesa Collier, and Breanna Stewart, supplemented by WNBA stars Caitlin Clark and Rhyne Howard. A narrow 55-52 victory over Italy in the group stage—Team USA's lowest-scoring World Cup win since 1967—showed the Americans are not invulnerable against disciplined opponents The Guardian.
USA's Dominant Run Through the Tournament
Team USA arrived in Berlin as the four-time defending World Cup champions and has lived up to expectations with flawless performances. In the quarterfinal against Hungary, Napheesa Collier led the team with 19 points and six rebounds, while Rhyne Howard added 15 points off the bench and Caitlin Clark contributed 10 points and nine assists Yahoo Sports. The Americans also shot lights-out from beyond the arc, making a tournament-best 12 three-pointers on 23 attempts against Hungary.
Their consistency stems from relying on an unchanged starting lineup throughout the tournament. This veteran group—led by Breanna Stewart and Kahleah Copper—knows how to execute under pressure. The team's 34-game World Cup winning streak demonstrates the gulf in experience and talent between Team USA and every opponent it faces The Guardian.
Spain's Upset Bid Hinges on Bench Depth
Spain stunned Australia 89-66 in the quarterfinals, relying heavily on its bench players to power the victory. Megan DiLeo led the team with 16 points, Iyana Martin added 14 points with four assists and three steals, and Alicia Flórez contributed 10 points, five rebounds, four assists, and two steals Yahoo Sports. This bench-heavy offensive attack could surprise Team USA if the Americans struggle defensively early.
Spain's starting lineup will likely remain unchanged, featuring Iyana Martin and Maite Cazorla in the backcourt alongside Maria Conde, Megan Gustafsson, and Awa Fam. Gustafsson earned her starting role during the quarterfinals by replacing Raquel Carrera. The Spanish team's willingness to play multiple rotations and get production from bench players gives them a path to competitive play against the Americans.
Team USA's Italy Game as a Warning Sign
While Team USA remains unbeaten, its group-stage victory over Italy—a narrow 55-52 win—offered Spain a blueprint for success. The Americans' 55-52 margin marked their lowest-scoring World Cup victory since defeating Australia 42-38 in 1967 The Guardian. Spain can make this matchup competitive by controlling pace, forcing turnovers, and capitalizing on Team USA's occasional lapses in shooting consistency.
The semifinal will determine whether Spain can pull off a stunning upset or whether Team USA's championship pedigree and talent advantage prove insurmountable. A win sends the Americans to face France in the gold-medal game and keeps their dynasty alive. Spain, meanwhile, enters as the clear underdog but proven capable of executing disciplined basketball and winning on the strength of balanced scoring.
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