San Juan, Puerto Rico – Italy delivered a physical and determined performance, upsetting Spain 68-56 in a key FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup 2026 Qualifying Tournament matchup on Sunday. The result, a significant test for both European powers, sets the stage for a challenging final game against the United States for Spain, whereas Italy solidifies its position in the competition.
This contest, a rematch of the EuroBasket bronze and silver medalists from the past, carried considerable weight. With the United States expected to win all their games, the battle for second place – and a more favorable path forward – was on. Italy answered the call, overcoming a determined Spanish side with a display of rebounding dominance and clutch shooting.
Raquel Carrera lanza a canasta.
Spain, having played two games in under 24 hours and entering the tournament with three largely one-sided contests (averaging a 40.2-point differential in those games), found themselves in a genuine battle. Italy’s physicality proved difficult for the Spanish to overcome, a valuable lesson for coach Méndez and his staff moving forward.
Turnovers proved to be a critical factor in Spain’s defeat. Committing 25 turnovers made it nearly impossible to win against an Italian side that only committed 10. Spain managed to stay competitive for much of the game, largely due to a significant rebounding advantage (25-44), but the constant giveaways ultimately proved too costly, with Italy scoring 22 points off Spanish turnovers.
Italy controlled three of the four quarters. The second quarter was the only one that ended in a tie, 13-13. Italy won the first quarter 15-13, the third 19-17, and the decisive fourth 21-13. Spain also struggled with their shooting, finishing at 19 of 50 (38%) from the field, including 7 of 16 from three-point range. Italy shot slightly better, at 23 of 33 (41.8%).
Francesca Pasa, with 14 points, and especially Cecilia Zandalasini, who led all scorers with 22 points and several key plays down the stretch, including a crucial three-pointer, were instrumental in Italy’s victory.
For Spain, Iyana Martin stood out with her defense and effort, helping to cut down on Italy’s lead, which reached as high as 11 points (28-17) in the second quarter. Spain briefly gained momentum in the third quarter, tying the game at 32-38, but Italy responded with a strong finish.
Megan Gustafson led Spain in scoring with 12 points, followed by Elena Buenavida with 9, Iyana Martín with 7, and Mariona Ortiz and María Conde with 6 points each. Spain’s next challenge is a difficult matchup against the United States on Tuesday at 22:00 local time (GMT-4).
Game Statistics
56.Spain (13+13+17+16): Elena Buenavida (9), Mariona Ortiz (6), Maite Cazorla (1), Aina Ayuso (3), María Araujo (3), Helena Pueyo (0), María Conde (6), Awa Fam (5), Raquel Carrera (4), Megan Gustafson (12), Paula Ginzo (0), Iyana Martín (7).
68.Italy (15+13+19+23): Jasmine Keys (5), Francesca Pasa (14), Constanza Verona (0), Cecilia Zandalisini (22), Francesca Pan (0), Lorena Cubaj (9), Sara Madera (2), Mariella Santucci (6), Martina Fassina (0), Oibis Andre (7), Laura Speafrico (3), Martina Kacerik (0).
Referees: James Griguol (AUS), Aline García (URU) and Jian Sun (CHN). EFE
Spain faces a significant test against the United States, a game that will undoubtedly provide a further gauge of their capabilities in this tournament. The outcome of that match will determine their final standing in the qualifying stage.
Worth a look
