San Juan, Puerto Rico – Team USA completed a perfect run through the FIBA Women’s Basketball Pre-World Cup Qualifying Tournament on Tuesday, defeating Spain 84-70 at the Coliseo José Miguel Agrelot. The Americans finished Group A play with a 5-0 record, securing their spot for the 2026 FIBA World Cup in Berlin, Germany this September. Spain and Italy likewise qualified from this tournament, while host nation Puerto Rico will require a win against New Zealand to advance.
The game, while ultimately a comfortable victory for the United States, saw Spain challenge the top-ranked team in the world early on. The Spanish squad, led by Megan Gustafson and Iyana Martín, demonstrated resilience and a defensive strategy designed to disrupt the Americans’ typically high-octane offense. However, the depth and emerging star power of the U.S. Roster proved too much to overcome.
The opening quarter was a tightly contested affair, with both teams trading leads. Gustafson initially put Spain ahead, but a quick response from Kelsey Plum gave the U.S. A narrow advantage. The back-and-forth continued until Caitlin Clark ignited for the Americans, scoring five consecutive points to establish a lead they wouldn’t relinquish. The first period ended with the U.S. Leading 21-16.
The second quarter saw more of the same competitive spirit. Awa Fam briefly tied the game at 23-23, but another three-pointer from Plum restored the U.S. Lead. The Americans began to pull away, leveraging their size and athleticism to create second-chance opportunities. By halftime, Team USA had extended their lead to 44-32.
Spain continued to battle in the third quarter, relying on the inside presence of Gustafson and the perimeter scoring of Martín. However, the Americans’ relentless pressure and efficient shooting kept the Spanish at bay. The U.S. Extended their lead to 61-47 by the conclude of the third, effectively sealing the victory.
The fourth quarter saw the U.S. Maintain control, rotating players and experimenting with different lineups. Kahleah Copper, who finished as the game’s leading scorer with 20 points, was particularly impactful. Miguel Méndez, the Spanish coach, used the opportunity to evaluate his full roster, but the Americans’ dominance was undeniable.
Caitlin Clark, the rising star of the Indiana Fever, finished the game with 7 points and 7 assists, showcasing her all-around game and playmaking ability. She has averaged 11.6 points, and 6.4 assists throughout the tournament, quickly establishing herself as a key player for the U.S. National team. Plum added 18 points for the Americans, contributing to a balanced scoring attack.
For Spain, Gustafson and Martín led the way, demonstrating their potential as future stars in the WNBA. Gustafson finished with a strong performance inside, while Martín’s speed and ball-handling skills created opportunities for her teammates. The duo combined for 30 points, highlighting the growing talent within the Spanish program.
The U.S. Victory wasn’t just about securing a spot in the World Cup; it was also about building chemistry and evaluating younger players. With established stars like A’ja Wilson, Breanna Stewart, and Sabrina Ionescu not participating in this tournament, the Pre-World Cup Qualifying Tournament provided a valuable opportunity to develop the next generation of American basketball players. The team is using these games to prepare for the challenges that lie ahead in Berlin.
This win extends the United States’ impressive winning streak, remaining undefeated since 2006. The team’s ability to consistently perform at a high level is a testament to the depth of talent and the strength of the American basketball system. The Americans will enter the World Cup as one of the favorites, but they will face stiff competition from teams like France and Australia.
Spain, despite the loss, can take pride in their performance throughout the tournament. They secured their place in the World Cup and demonstrated their potential to compete with the world’s best teams. The emergence of young players like Martín and Fam provides a bright future for Spanish basketball. They will now turn their attention to the FIBA World Cup in Berlin, scheduled for September 4-13.
Team USA’s next challenge will be the FIBA World Cup in Berlin, where they will face a gauntlet of international competition. The tournament promises to be a showcase of the world’s best basketball talent, and the Americans will be looking to defend their title. Fans can follow the team’s progress and stay updated on the schedule and results through official FIBA channels.
The game also highlighted the growing global appeal of women’s basketball, with Caitlin Clark drawing significant attention and even sparking a playful search for concert tickets to observe Puerto Rican superstar Bad Bunny. This crossover appeal underscores the increasing visibility and popularity of the sport.
Key Takeaways:
- Team USA finished the FIBA Pre-World Cup Qualifying Tournament undefeated, securing their spot in the 2026 World Cup.
- Caitlin Clark continues to impress, averaging 11.6 points and 6.4 assists throughout the tournament.
- Spain qualified for the World Cup and showcased the potential of young stars Iyana Martín and Awa Fam.
- The U.S. Used the tournament to evaluate younger players and build chemistry ahead of the World Cup.
The FIBA World Cup in Berlin is set to be a thrilling event, and fans around the world will be eager to see how Team USA and Spain perform on the global stage. Stay tuned to Archysport for continued coverage of the tournament and the latest news from the world of women’s basketball.
