Team USA and France Battle Their Way to 2026 World Cup Final
Neither Germany nor France had ever made it to the Final at the World Cup. Only one would earn the opportunity. Team USA needed to get past juggernaut Spain in order to keep their goal of five consecutive golds alive. Which countries would make it to Sunday’s championship round? After two intense matchups, Team USA and France battle their way to 2026 World Cup Final.
France and Germany kicked off Saturday’s semifinals. At first the matchup remained tight. With neither team able to gain much of a lead. However, Germany’s 12 turnovers in the first half would end up being deadly. France took advantage and went into halftime with an eight point lead.
France kept their foot on the pedal in the second half. Taking a double digit lead in the third quarter, the largest in the game up till that point. France would go up 16, however, Germany would cut it to 8. Nonetheless, France’s defense with steals would create more opportunities on offense. Allowing the country to maintain their lead over Germany when the quarter concluded, 64-50.
Going into the final quarter, home team Germany was down by 14. Could Team Germany mount a comeback? No. France would prove to be too much of a force to handle; after scoring 25+ points off turnovers alone. France would move on to the World Cup Final after defeating Germany, 86-64. With Gabby Williams putting on a show. Williams led Team France with 22 PTS on 8-12 shooting, along with 5 REB, 5 AST, 4 STL and 2 3PM.
Next up, was Team USA facing Spain. Spain got off to a hot start against Team USA’s vets. Taking a 5-0 lead and quickly extending it to a 8 point lead. USA’s early 1-9 deficit to Spain marks its largest of the World Cup; it hadn’t trailed anyone by more than 3 prior to today.
However, the USA settled in especially after Y&T (young and turnt as the youth core is being affectionately titled by fans); took the floor. Going on a 10-0 run! The first quarter would end with Team USA grabbing the lead and being up by three.
However, in the second quarter the USA wouldn’t be able to extend their lead. None of the roster rotations seemed to gel. The half would end with Team USA leading by only one possession. Still only up by three.
USA’s troubles would continue in the third quarter. Turnovers would prove to be costly. Spain and America would end the third tied 58-58.
Team USA and France Battle Their Way to 2026 World Cup Final
One last quarter would decide all. The USA did not play well in the fourth, but Breanna Stewart and Jackie Young did come up big in the stretch. Helping their team to attain a 10 point advantage. In the end the USA would get the victory, 66-76. Thus, advancing to their fifth consecutive World Cup Final.
In a lot of ways Team USA won ugly (surprising after a good game versus Hungary). While France punched their ticket with more ease. If USA wants gold they will have to play with less mistakes, turnovers and more offensive strength. Nonetheless, this is the championship matchup many basketball fans wanted. A 2024 Paris Olympics rematch. The USA will take on France tomorrow for the gold and global bragging rights.
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