BERLIN (Germany) - USA will be big favorites to reach the FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup 2026 title game for a fifth consecutive edition, but could Spain have what it takes to pull of a memorable surprise?
USA head into their 11th Semi-Final in a row on a 34-game winning run in the competition, although their last defeat did come at this stage of the competition - exactly 20 years ago. They have also now found a higher gear in the German capital, breaking multiple records in their last outing in the Quarter-Finals against Hungary.
Even though Spain have lost their previous five meetings with the USA at the Women’s World Cup by an average margin of 24 points, including in the 2010 Semi-Finals, they will embrace their underdog status and look to make it an uncomfortable night for the defending champions.
Head Coach Miguel Mendez has made it clear that he is preparing his team to win.
Both teams will fight it out for a place in Sunday's showpiece Final. Click here for the full schedule.
Key Matchup
Awa Fam has had an excellent debut World Cup and is already a standout leader for Spain. Playing more minutes than anyone else, her strength and rebounding prowess on both ends of the floor is huge. Added to her energy, ability to defend multiple positions and contribute offensively, it means she could be a difference-maker in this one.
While Fam's career is still in its relative infancy at the elite level, could it be the veteran Breanna Stewart that is the one matching up with her? Or if not defensively, maybe Fam will have to guard USA's most likely MVP winner as things stand.
The big warning for Fam is that her rival loves to save her biggest games for when it matters most.
Stats Don't Lie
USA have 17.3 fast break points compared to only 8.8 for Spain, while they also have incredible offensive options to choose from. The reigning champions are getting 48.8 points from their bench per game, against 29 for their opponents.
Although Spain don't outrank USA in any main areas, they will take solace from the fact that in terms of the major categories like scoring and rebounding, they have relatively similar numbers.
The Killer Questions
Will USA have too much firepower for Spain and continue with the same offensive rhythm as they belatedly found against Hungary - especially from downtown?
Can Spain post a 40-minute relentless and smart defensive effort? Because without this, they simply won't be able to win the game. Trading buckets is not the type of game Spain will want. They will prefer something a lot more defensively focused and low scoring. The young guns will need to take care of the ball and avoid turnovers that could fuel the USA’s transition game at all costs.
Recent Game History
Both teams played each other in the FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup 2026 Qualifying Tournament earlier this year in San Juan, Puerto Rico with USA claiming an 84-70 success.
The previous encounter was a decade ago, when USA won Olympic gold in Rio, beating Spain 101-72. Meanwhile rewinding a little further back, this matchup is also a repeat of the 2014 Women's World Cup Final which USA also won.
Veteran legend Alba Torrens played in both of those showpiece Finals with Spain.
FIBA