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America September 13, 2026 5 mins read

Team USA Reaches Women’s Basketball World Cup Final as Caitlin Clark, Aliyah Boston Play LIVE

America ı By Jackie Allen

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Team USA

BERLIN — Team USA advanced to the FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup final Saturday with a 76-66 semifinal victory over Spain, and Caitlin Clark and Indiana Fever teammate Aliyah Boston provided one of the game’s most memorable moments despite limited offensive production from Clark.

Clark finished with one point, one rebound, one assist and one steal in nearly 17 minutes. While those numbers were well below her quarterfinal performance against Hungary, when she recorded 10 points and nine assists, Clark still finished with a team-best impact according to the plus-minus statistic among U.S. players except Boston.

Clark posted a plus-16 rating against Spain, while Boston led the team at plus-21.

The play that drew particular attention came in the opening quarter. Clark attracted the Spanish defense before finding Boston underneath the basket with a quick bounce pass. Boston converted the layup, cutting Spain's lead to 16-13.

USA Basketball highlighted the sequence in a slow-motion video on social media, celebrating the connection between the two Indiana Fever teammates.

Watch the Team USA-Caitlin Clark and Aliyah Boston video on YouTube

Clark and Boston Connect for Team USA

The assist was Clark's only one of the semifinal, but it demonstrated the chemistry she and Boston have developed with the Fever.

Clark's ability to draw defensive attention before delivering passes has been a central part of her game since entering the WNBA. Boston, meanwhile, has established herself as one of Indiana's primary interior players.

The pair's connection was particularly significant in a game in which the U.S. offense struggled for long stretches.

Team USA Continues World Cup

WATCH TEAM USA WNBA Live on Sunday

World Cup Live

Spain remained within striking distance through three quarters before the Americans pulled away in the fourth. Breanna Stewart led Team USA with 16 points, while Kahleah Copper scored 13 and Jackie Young added 12.

The victory extended the United States' World Cup winning streak to 35 games and sent the Americans to their fifth consecutive World Cup final.

Clark's Numbers Do Not Tell the Entire Story

Clark's one-point performance was a notable departure from her showing against Hungary.

In that quarterfinal, Clark nearly recorded a double-double with 10 points and nine assists. She also produced a step-back 3-pointer over Dorka Juhász that became one of the tournament's highlighted plays.

Against Spain, however, Clark was primarily a facilitator during her limited time on the court.

Her plus-16 rating also illustrates why the box score alone does not fully describe her contribution. Team USA was 16 points better than Spain during Clark's minutes on the floor, according to the supplied game statistics.

FIBA official Spain vs. USA box score

The semifinal victory also came against a Spanish team that kept the game close for much of the contest. Spain shot well enough to remain competitive before Team USA's defense tightened in the final period.

Team USA Faces France for Gold

The Americans now face France in the championship game Sunday in Berlin.

France reached the final by defeating host Germany 86-64. Gabby Williams led France with 22 points, five rebounds, five assists and four steals.

The championship game is a rematch of the Paris 2024 Olympic final, when the United States defeated France 67-66 for the gold medal.

The Americans are seeking a fifth consecutive FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup championship. The final is scheduled for 2 p.m. ET Sunday at Berlin Arena.

For Clark, the game provides another opportunity to contribute on the international stage. Whether that comes through scoring, passing, defense or creating opportunities for teammates such as Boston remains to be seen.

Kara Lawson Leads Team USA

Team USA is coached by Kara Lawson, who also serves as the head coach of the Duke women's basketball program.

Lawson was part of the U.S. Olympic team that won gold in 2008 as a player and served as an assistant coach on the 2022 World Cup championship team.

Her decisions regarding playing time have generated discussion, particularly concerning Clark and Boston. The two Indiana Fever players have received limited opportunities compared with some of the team's other contributors.

Nevertheless, Team USA enters the championship game undefeated in the tournament and one victory away from another world championship.

Indiana Fever Stars Return to WNBA

The FIBA World Cup also represents an important international experience for Clark and Boston as they prepare to return to the Indiana Fever and the WNBA.

The WNBA season is scheduled to resume Sept. 17, giving players a short turnaround following the international competition.

Clark's popularity has continued to generate attention beyond the court. Her performances, merchandise, trading cards and WNBA appearances have made her one of the most recognizable figures in women's basketball.

USA Herald — Caitlin Clark Frustrated After Hard Foul as WNBA Star Battles Injuries

USA Herald — Caitlin Clark's Record-Breaking Trading Card Sales

USA Herald — Sophie Cunningham Defends Caitlin Clark in WNBA Melee

Additional Information

FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup 2026

Indiana Fever

Caitlin Clark player information

Aliyah Boston player information

USA Herald Sports coverage by Jackie Allen

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Jackie Allen

Jackie is a freelance journalist and technology geek. She worked as a telecom project director for AT&T and BellSouth. Before joining the USA Herald she has written books, articles, blogs and whitepapers. Her clients include Samsung and other technology companies.

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