Team USA edges Italy to extend women's World Cup winning run to 32 games

Team USA survived its most challenging encounter in two decades, defeating Italy 55‑52 on Sunday in Berlin to stretch its World Cup winning streak to 32 games, ESPN reported. The tightly contested match saw the Americans pull ahead in the final minute after a clutch three‑pointer from a veteran guard, while Italy fought back repeatedly, forcing the game into a nail‑biting finish. Both teams exchanged leads throughout the second half, but the United States held on thanks to disciplined defense and free‑throw accuracy in the closing seconds.

The triumph secures the United States a place in the tournament’s knockout stage and maintains its unbeaten record in World Cup competition dating back to 2010. The narrow margin underscores how quickly the gap between the American program and rising European powers can close, especially when Italy, ranked among the top five globally, executed a game plan that limited USA’s transition opportunities. The win also marks the first time since the 2002 World Cup that the Americans have been tested by a sub‑60‑point margin.

Historically, the U.S. women’s basketball team has dominated international play, capturing four Olympic gold medals and three World Cup titles since 1998. Their 32‑game streak is the longest in the tournament’s modern era, reflecting a deep talent pool and a continuity of coaching that emphasizes motion offense and aggressive perimeter defense. The current roster blends seasoned veterans with emerging stars from the WNBA, a formula that has kept the team at the forefront of global competition. This victory, however, serves as a reminder that other nations are closing the talent gap, prompting USA Basketball to emphasize scouting and development ahead of the quarterfinals.

Looking ahead, the United States will face the winner of the Belgium‑Australia matchup in the next round, a game that could further test the squad’s resilience. Analysts note that the slim victory over Italy may influence roster rotations and strategic adjustments, especially in handling defensive pressure from teams that excel at limiting fast‑break opportunities. For Italy, the close loss highlights progress but also exposes areas for improvement, such as perimeter shooting consistency. Both teams will now turn their focus to the upcoming knockout games, where each win brings them one step closer to a coveted World Cup title.