Team USA narrowly defeated Italy 55-52 in a tense FIBA Women’s World Cup group stage game on Sunday in Berlin, clinching a place in the quarterfinals [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6]. The victory extended Team USA’s winning streak at the Women’s World Cup to 32 games dating back to 2006 [4, 5].
The U.S. team struggled offensively, shooting just 16 of 56 from the field (29%) and a dismal 1 of 12 from three-point range (8%) [2, 4, 6]. Despite the poor shooting, Jackie Young led the scoring with 10 points, including six in the fourth quarter, and contributed four rebounds, three assists, and two steals [1, 2, 4, 5, 6]. Breanna Stewart had one basket on a 1-for-9 shooting day but dominated the glass with 11 rebounds [2, 4, 5]. Angel Reese added eight points, three rebounds, and two blocks [1, 2, 3].
Italy’s Cecilia Zandalasini led all scorers with 14 points and grabbed seven rebounds [2, 4, 6]. Italy nearly tied the game at the buzzer on a potential game-tying three-pointer by Zandalasini that missed, sending the game to a narrow finish [2, 4, 5, 6]. After the game, Zandalasini apologized for her emotional reactions, including an incident where she claimed to have been poked in the eye by Jackie Young, saying, "I want to apologize to the referees. It’s just when I wear this jersey, it’s just a different beast that comes out of me, and now I feel embarrassed for how I reacted" [2, 4].
U.S. coach Kara Lawson said, "I think this is the most challenging World Cup to win of any one before because of how good everyone is. There's much more depth to the rosters at the World Cup. There's players that can come in off the bench and change games and we saw that for Italy tonight" [1]. Breanna Stewart reflected on the tough conditions, "We've all been in these high-stress situations, knowing that the gym is cheering against us. ... And we embraced it" [1].
Team USA will next face the Czech Republic in their final Group D game on Monday, September 7, 2026 [1, 2, 3, 5].
