Team USA vs. Spain Live FIBA Women's World Cup Updates, Scores and Highlights

Hunter Cruse
Sep 12, 2026

Team USA will advance to the FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup final for the fifth-straight time after pulling away from Spain for a 76-66 victory.

Spain gave the United States a run for their money for three quarters, but Team USA turned to their veterans late to control the ball and force Spain into difficult shots. The United States committed just one turnover in the fourth quarter, and it came in the final two minutes with the game all but decided.

Breanna Stewart was outstanding once again, finishing with 16 points and six rebounds on 4-of-6 shooting from the field and 8-of-11 from the free-throw line. Kahleah Copper also had her best game of the tournament, scoring 13 points on 5-of-9 shooting from the field.

We gathered updates from all the action, along with highlights, key plays and analysis from Team USA's 

Posts appear in reverse chronological order from newest to oldest.

Live Updates

10 Total Posts

 Iyana Martín Makes History

At just 20 years old, Spain's Iyana Martín became the youngest player to score more than 16 points in a World Cup semifinal, doing so efficiently on 5-of-8 shooting against the best players in the world.

This is the worst this Spanish national team is going to be. Awa Fam and Martín are nowhere near their prime, Raquel Carrera and Alicia Flórez are in their early 20s and there's some other young exciting prospects in the pipeline (see: USC's Sara Okeke).

Also, Portland Fire fans should be very excited about Martín's potential. Her quick processing speed, crafty driving approach and passion for the game will fit perfectly in head coach Alex Sarama's scheme.

Final: USA 76, Spain 66

Team USA's experience and star power took over when it mattered most, outscoring Spain 18-8 in the fourth quarter to advance to the World Cup final against France.

The United States struggled from three, shooting just 3-of-18, but they kept attacking the rim. Team USA shot 50 percent from two and attempted 35 free throws. Breanna Stewart led the way with 16 points and six rebounds, including a game-high 11 free-throw attempts.

María Conde and Iyana Martín did everything they could to keep Spain in the game, but in the end, this Team USA team is just too good. Each player scored 17 points apiece on efficient shooting in the loss.

Just Watch This Team USA Ball Movement

Team USA head coach Kara Lawson went to her veterans (plus Aliyah Boston) in the fourth quarter, and the offense has been beautiful.

On this possession, Boston found Breanna Stewart in the post, drawing two defenders to the ball and a third defender out of position. That freed up Jackie Young to attack the closeout and capitalize on Spain's tilted defense, finding Kahleah Copper under the rim for an easy layup.

End of the 3Q: USA 58, Spain 58

Team USA and Spain are tied entering the fourth quarter, with a spot in the World Cup final on the line.

Spain outscored Team USA 22-19 in the third quarter, led by Iyana Martín. The 20-year-old guard is just 5'8", but her feel for the game and craft as a driver have been incredibly impressive in big moments. She currently has a game-high 17 points on 71 percent shooting from the field.

Tough Finish For Kahleah Copper

Kahleah Copper powered right through Megan DiLeo for an and-1 at the rim. Team USA leads Spain by four points late into the third quarter.

Halftime: USA 39, Spain 36

It looked like Team USA was starting to pull away, but Spain fought right back to make it a one-possession game at halftime.

The United States' offensive success has almost entirely come from drawing fouls. They shot just 36 percent from the field, with 19 of their 39 points coming at the free-throw line.

On the other side, Spain has attempted just four free throws. Their success has come from quick pace and ball movement, assisting on 10 of their 15 field-goals made.

Breanna Stewart leads all scorers with nine points on 2-of-3 shooting from the field and 4-of-7 from the free-throw line. Spain's 20-year-old duo of Iyana Martín and Awa Fam has combined for 15 points on 6-of-8 shooting.

Iyana Martín Magic

As the shot clock winds down, 20-year-old guard Iyana Martín gets Angel Reese in the air with a pump fake to create space for this ridiculous off-balanced 3-pointer to give Spain their first points of the second quarter.

Oh yeah, then two minutes later, she went to work in isolation against Breanna Stewart, and hit this shot at the rim.

End of the 1Q: USA 21, Spain 18

After a slow start, Team USA fought back and ended the quarter on a 9-2 run to retake the lead, sparked by their defense.

Team USA started to apply pressure defensively, forcing seven turnovers over the final six minutes of the quarter. This created plenty of opportunities for them in transition.

Nine of Team USA's 23 points have come at the free-throw line. Spain scored 18 points on 44 percent from the field, with Awa Fam and María Conde combining for 10 of those points.

Awa Fam Comes Out Firing

Awa Fam is only 20 years old, but she isn't afraid of the moment. She got the action started with a contested catch-and-shoot 3-pointer, then found Raquel Carrera with a beautiful pass on a cut a minute later.

Spain has started 6-of-8 from the field to take a 13-6 lead over Team USA through the first five minutes. Fam leads all scorers with five points early.

Starting Lineups

No surprise here. Team USA is sticking with their all-veteran starting lineup for a fifth straight game:

Chelsea Gray, Jackie Young, Kahleah Copper, Napheesa Collier and Breanna Stewart.

On the other side, Spain is starting Iyana Martín, Maite Cazorla, María Conde, Raquel Carrera and Awa Fam. All of which have WNBA experience.