Team USA edges Italy 55-52 in gritty women's World Cup win

The United States women’s basketball team narrowly escaped a historic upset in the 2026 FIBA Women’s World Cup, edging Italy 55-52 in a grueling group-stage match that tested their resilience and adaptability. The victory, the closest in the Americans’ 32-game World Cup winning streak, came after a relentless defensive effort by Italy and a series of late-game stops by the U.S., which had struggled to find offensive rhythm against the underdog European team.

The game’s final score marked the fewest points the Americans had scored in a World Cup win since they beat Australia 42-38 in 1967, according to new reporting. Italy’s 2-3 zone defense disrupted the U.S. offense, which shot 29% from the field and 8% from 3-point range, while Italy’s Cecilia Zandalasini led with 14 points. The win extended the U.S. Women’s World Cup winning streak to 32 games, but the team’s struggles highlighted challenges ahead as they face the Czech Republic in the group stage finale.

The U.S. entered the match as heavy favorites, having won 32 consecutive World Cup games since a 2006 semifinal loss to Russia. However, Italy’s defensive scheme forced the Americans into a 29% shooting performance that marked the lowest point total in a preliminary-round game since 1967. Despite the struggles, the U.S. managed to survive a late Italian rally, with a final 7-0 run sealing the win.

The game was a back-and-forth battle, with Italy taking a 50-48 lead in the fourth quarter. Breanna Stewart, who had missed her first eight shots, broke through with a key basket to put the U.S. ahead 51-50. Jackie Young followed with a layup after an offensive foul by Italy, and Chelsea Gray’s jumper extended the lead to five points. Italy’s Matilde Villa trimmed the deficit to three in the final minute, but Cecilia Zandalasini’s last-second 3-pointer clanged off the rim, allowing the U.S. to hold on.

Italy, making its first World Cup appearance since 1994, showed remarkable tenacity. The team had defeated the Czech Republic in its opening game and carried that energy into the matchup against the U.S. Despite the loss, Italy’s performance underscored its potential as a rising force in international basketball. “We learned so much about ourselves that we can compete against everybody,” said Italy point guard Mariella Santucci, who acknowledged the Americans’ superiority but emphasized the team’s growth.

The U.S. defense, which had been a cornerstone of their dominance in previous tournaments, faced its sternest test of the 2026 World Cup. Italy’s zone scheme forced the Americans into contested shots and turnovers, with the U.S. committing 14 turnovers compared to Italy’s 18. However, the Americans’ ability to make critical stops in the final minutes proved decisive. Coach Kara Lawson praised the defensive intensity, particularly Chelsea Gray’s charge call that shifted momentum in the U.S.’s favor.

Paige Bueckers, the Dallas Wings star, provided a spark off the bench, scoring seven points and hitting the U.S.’s first 3-pointer of the game after a 0-10 start from beyond the arc. Her contributions, along with Breanna Stewart’s late-game scoring, highlighted the team’s adaptability. “You have to be able to win different ways in this tournament because every team stylistically plays a little bit different,” Lawson said. “We didn’t have a fastball tonight, but we figured it out late and we’ll grow from it.”

Italy’s 2-3 zone defense, which had been a key factor in its 34-point victory over the U.S. in a March tournament qualifier, once again complicated the Americans’ offensive strategies. The U.S. struggled to find consistent scoring, with only Jackie Young reaching double figures. The team’s free-throw shooting (22 of 30) also drew attention, though it was not a major factor in the outcome.

Cecilia Zandalasini, who led Italy with 14 points, was the focal point of the team’s late-game efforts. Her final 3-pointer, which missed by a wide margin, drew frustration from the Italian players, including Zandalasini, who later apologized for her postgame outburst. “When I wear this jersey, it’s just a different beast,” she said, acknowledging the intensity of the moment.

The U.S. now faces the Czech Republic on Monday in a group-stage finale that, while less critical, will serve as a final opportunity to build chemistry ahead of the quarterfinals. The Americans’ ability to overcome Italy’s defensive pressure suggests they can adapt to challenges, but their offensive inconsistencies remain a concern as they aim to defend their World Cup title. The U.S. has also faced tighter competition in recent years, with the team pulling off its eighth consecutive Olympic gold medal in 2024 by edging France by one point in the title game.

As the tournament progresses, both teams will look to build on the lessons learned in Berlin. For Italy, the loss underscores the challenges of competing against basketball powerhouses, but their performance against the U.S. has set a new standard for the program. For the U.S., the victory highlights the evolving nature of international competition, where even the most dominant teams must adapt to survive.