US hold off Spain 76-66 in Berlin to set up World Cup final with France

# Game outcome and what it means Berlin and will meet France in the final. The win extends the Americans' tournament streak to 35 consecutive victories dating back to a 2006 semi-final defeat by Russia.

# How the match unfolded Spain opened strongly and led by eight midway through the first quarter. The US settled in across the second and third quarters, led offensively by Breanna Stewart and Kahleah Copper. Spain erased a deficit late in the third, finishing that period on a 9-2 run to draw level at 58-58.

Instead of panicking, the US changed momentum early in the fourth quarter with a 12-2 run that pushed the score ahead and left Spain unable to recover. The Americans outscored Spain by 10 in the final period to close out the match.

# Key performers

• Kahleah Copper: Added 13 points and was a steady scoring option through the middle quarters.
• Caitlin Clark: Scored only one point and had two turnovers under intense Spanish defensive pressure. Her night was described as disappointing.

# The US vs France final setup Sunday's final between the United States and France is a rematch of the 2024 Paris Olympic gold-medal game, which the Americans won by one point. France reached the World Cup final for the first time after beating host nation Germany 86-64 earlier the same day. Gabby Williams led France with 22 points, adding five assists and four steals, and described herself as being "on a mission."

France showed balance and depth in their semi-final, pulling away in the second half after a competitive opening period. Germany kept pace early but could not match France's scoring runs later in the game.

# What to watch in the final

• US experience and depth in late-game situations vs France's current form and momentum after their win over Germany.

• France will apply similar schemes against US ball-handlers.

# Context and stakes The US are multiple-time world champions, with a long undefeated run at this tournament. France, appearing in their first World Cup final, enter confident after an 86-64 semi-final win. The final will decide the world champion in Berlin and serves as a direct follow-up to the closely contested 2024 Olympic final between the same nations.