Everyone expected the new-look Team USA to be tested at the 2026 FIBA Women's World Cup. No one predicted that it would happen in the group stage against Italy. After all, Italy was making its first World Cup appearance since 1994, and the Americans beat the Italians by 44 at the World Cup Qualifying Tournament in March.
Yet as a tense 40 minutes in Berlin came to a close, Team USA could only stand and watch as Cecilia Zandalasini's 3-pointer floated toward the rim. If it went in, there would be overtime. Instead, it drifted well wide and Breanna Stewart grabbed the rebound to secure a 55-52 victory for Team USA.
After the final whistle, an irate Zandalasini immediately confronted the officials over what she felt was a missed call earlier in the final possession, when it appeared Jackie Young may have poked her in the eye. It would not have been a shooting foul, however, and the Italians were not in the bonus, but they would have had a chance to reset a chaotic possession. Zandalasini was likely also frustrated about a call with just over three minutes left when she thought she had an and-one that would have given Italy the lead, but the officials whistled her for a charge.
"I would like to apologize for how I acted in the end," Zandalasini said at her postgame press conference. "Just wanted to apologize to the team and to the referee. When I wear this jersey it's just a different me, I guess.
I just feel embarrassed so now I want to say it out loud and to whoever watches." With the win, the Americans moved to 2-0 at the World Cup and officially qualified directly to the quarterfinals of the knockout stage. Their opponent is to be determined. Notably, however, they are now guaranteed to be on the opposite side of the bracket as France, which means the two favorites could not meet until the final on Sept. 13.
There was little to write home about for the Americans on Sunday. Jackie Young, who finished with 10 points on 4 of 6 from the field and added four rebounds and three assists, was the only player in double figures and the only one to make more than 50% of her shots. As a team they shot 16 of 56 (29%) from the field, including 1 of 12 (8%) from 3-point range.
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