The United States women’s national basketball team survived a fierce challenge from Italy at the FIBA Women’s World Cup in Berlin on Sunday, September 6, 2026, escaping with a narrow 55-52 victory to extend their tournament win streak to 32 games. In the day’s other action, China held off the Czech Republic 74-70 in overtime, while Belgium and Australia secured victories to advance to the knockout rounds.
Facing their toughest test in two decades of tournament dominance, the Americans struggled to find an offensive rhythm against an inspired Italian defense. Jackie Young led the U.S. with 10 points, but the powerhouse found themselves trading blows deep into the second half. A late-first-half block by Andre against Caitlin Clarke energized the Berlin crowd, turning neutral spectators into vocal supporters of the Italian side. Italy capitalized on the momentum, surging ahead in the third quarter and claiming a 50-48 lead with just 4:29 remaining on the clock.
The U.S. responded with a crucial 7-0 run to regain control, weathering a final-second desperation three-point attempt from Zandalasini that missed its mark. Despite the close shave, the result lifts the United States to a 2-0 record in Group D and locks up their spot in the quarterfinals. Meanwhile, Italy faces a quick turnaround to play China on Monday.
In Group D’s earlier thriller, China needed an extra five minutes to dispatch the Czech Republic 74-70. Han Xu anchored the Chinese comeback, pouring in 22 points and sinking a clutch basket to tie the game at 53-53 late in the fourth quarter after trailing for the majority of the contest. The Czech Republic’s loss drops them to 0-2 and eliminates them from quarterfinal contention.
Elsewhere in the tournament, Belgium punched its ticket to the final phase with a 76-64 win over Puerto Rico in Group C. Imani McGee-Stafford led all scorers with 25 points for Puerto Rico, though the team remained winless against Belgium across three World Cup matchups. Australia also booked a quarterfinal berth, defeating Turkey 87-71 behind 21 points from Ezi Magbegor. Turkey opened brightly with a 15-14 lead, but Australia seized control by closing the first quarter on a 21-15 run.
Tournament action continues on Monday in Berlin as teams jockey for final group seedings ahead of the knockout rounds.
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