USA defeats Italy 55-52 in World Cup match

Team USA narrowly escaped a significant upset bid, defeating Italy 55-52 in a tense FIBA Women's World Cup matchup on Sunday, September 6, 2026, in Berlin. The victory marked the United States' toughest test in nearly two decades and resulted in their lowest-scoring World Cup win since a 42-38 victory over Australia in 1967. The Americans, who entered the game with a 31-game World Cup winning streak, found their offensive rhythm disrupted by Italy's effective 2-3 zone defense. After building an early 23-8 lead, the U.S. saw Italy close the first half on a 16-7 run and open the third quarter with an 11-2 spurt to take a 35-32 lead. Italy maintained pressure, holding a 50-48 advantage with less than five minutes remaining in the fourth quarter. The U.S. responded with a decisive 7-0 run to regain control. Breanna Stewart, who had missed her first eight shots, scored her first basket to put the Americans ahead 51-50. Jackie Young followed with a layup after Chelsea Gray drew a crucial offensive foul, and Gray then extended the lead to 55-50 with a jumper.