After a narrow win against Italy, the Americans bounce back with a decisive victory to complete group play
Category: Sports
Team USA showcased their dominance at the FIBA Women’s World Cup with a commanding 105-64 victory over the Czech Republic on Monday, September 7, 2026, in Berlin. This win improved the Americans to 3-0 in group play and marked their 33rd consecutive World Cup victory, a streak that dates back to 2006.
Head coach Kara Lawson had expressed concerns over her team’s energy following a narrow 55-52 win against Italy, which she described as their "worst offensive game" in decades. The Americans responded emphatically, demonstrating a revitalized offense against Czechia, significantly improving from their previous outing.
Breanna Stewart led the charge with an impressive performance, scoring 19 points, grabbing seven rebounds, and dishing out six assists in just 17 minutes of play. Six American players reached double digits in scoring, including Angel Reese with 13 points, Napheesa Collier and Jackie Young with 12 each, and Paige Bueckers and Sonia Citron contributing 10 points apiece.
Team USA shot 53% from the field and converted seven of 25 attempts from beyond the arc, a stark improvement from their dismal 28.6% shooting and one of twelve from three-point range against Italy. "I wanted to come out and really lead this team in a number of ways," said Stewart, who was clearly motivated to bounce back after a tough game against Italy.
The Americans wasted no time establishing their dominance over Czechia, jumping to a 29-15 lead by the end of the first quarter. Stewart set the tone early, scoring 11 points in the opening frame. The second quarter saw Collier contributing significantly, scoring seven of her 12 points, helping the U.S. to a 57-33 halftime lead.
In the second half, Team USA continued to extend their lead, outscoring Czechia by 11 points in the third quarter alone. By the end of the game, the Americans had built a lead of over 40 points, demonstrating their depth and skill across the roster. All 12 players on the U.S. squad scored, underscoring their collective effort in this resounding victory.
The Czech Republic, on the other hand, struggled throughout the match and finished winless in pool play, having lost all three of their group-stage games. Their performance in the tournament was disappointing, particularly after qualifying through a pre-qualifying tournament back in 2024.
The stark turnaround from the game against Italy can be attributed to a combination of factors. Lawson's emphasis on improving offensive execution clearly paid off, as the team shot more effectively and moved the ball well, recording 25 assists on 39 made field goals. The Americans also tightened their defense, forcing turnovers and converting them into fast-break points.
In addition, Lawson's decision to maintain a consistent starting lineup, featuring key players like Stewart, Collier, and guards Caitlin Clark and Jackie Young, ensured that the team maintained chemistry and rhythm on the court. The depth of the U.S. roster, filled with WNBA talent, allowed for fresh legs to come in and keep the pressure on Czechia throughout the game.
With the group stage now complete, Team USA is set to face the winner of the upcoming match between Hungary and Japan in the quarterfinals on Thursday, September 10. As the tournament moves into the knockout stage, the stakes increase significantly. Stewart remarked on the intensity of the next rounds, saying, "It’s now do or die at this point." The Americans will need to carry their momentum forward, especially after a shaky performance against Italy.
The quarterfinal matchup will likely be challenging, as teams in the knockout stage will be looking to upset the reigning champions. Team USA's experience and depth will be key factors as they aim to secure their fifth consecutive gold medal.
As the tournament progresses, fans will eagerly await to see if Team USA can maintain their winning streak and continue to showcase the talent that has made them a powerhouse in women's basketball.
In the meantime, the Czech Republic will need to regroup and analyze their performance to prepare for future competitions, building on the experience gained from this World Cup.
The FIBA Women’s World Cup continues to be a platform for international talent, and as the competition heats up, attention will turn to Team USA as they strive for continued success in Berlin.