Caitlin Clark was one assist shy of her second double-double of the tournament when Team USA dismantled Hungary, 108-56, in the 2026 FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup quarter-finals on Thursday morning. The win sends the Americans to the semi-finals, where they will meet Spain at Uber Arena in Berlin on Saturday, Sept. 12 at 1 p.m. CT, broadcast on truTV.
Clark finished the blowout with 10 points on 3-for-8 shooting, including 1 of 3 from beyond the arc, to go with a team-high nine assists, three rebounds, and two steals. The performance kept the Americans perfect at 4-0 in the tournament and extended their run of consecutive FIBA World Cup victories to 34.
Spain arrives in the semi-final with a 3-1 record after dispatching Australia, 89-66, on Thursday afternoon. The Spanish were led offensively by Megan DiLeo, who dropped 16 points on 7-for-11 shooting. DiLeo is a familiar name to Clark and her fanbase: the two were teammates at Iowa, where DiLeo played her college ball before taking her career to the international stage.
The match-up adds a layer of personal history to an already high-stakes contest. Clark and DiLeo shared a locker room with the Hawkeyes, and now they will share the floor in Berlin with a spot in the World Cup final on the line. DiLeo's efficiency against Australia suggests she will be a primary focus for the American defense on Saturday.
If Team USA gets past Spain, the Americans would face either France or Germany in the 2026 FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup Finals on Sunday, Sept. 13 at 1 p.m. CT. France enters the semi-finals undefeated at 4-0, while Germany carries a 4-1 record into their match-up. Both teams present distinct challenges, but the Americans have not looked troubled in Berlin so far.
The win over Hungary was never in doubt, with Team USA's depth wearing down the opposition from the opening quarter. Clark's playmaking was the engine of the offense, as she repeatedly found open shooters and pushed the pace in transition. Her nine assists were the standout number on a stat line that also included three rebounds and two steals, a reminder of the all-around game she has brought to the international stage.
The Americans have now won 34 straight games at the FIBA World Cup, a streak that spans multiple rosters and coaching staffs. That run of dominance has made them the team to beat in Berlin, but Spain will not be intimidated. They have already proven they can beat quality opposition, and DiLeo's familiarity with Clark's game could give them a tactical edge.
Saturday's semi-final is set for a 1 p.m. CT tip-off, with truTV carrying the broadcast. The winner books a place in Sunday's final at the same time, where either France or Germany will be waiting. France's perfect record makes them the nominal favorite on the other side of the bracket, but Germany's home crowd support could play a factor if they advance.
For Clark, the tournament has been a showcase of her ability to adapt to the international game. She has balanced scoring with distribution, and her assist numbers have been among the best in the competition. The near double-double against Hungary was her second of the World Cup, underscoring the consistency of her production.
The Americans have yet to face a serious test in Berlin, with their four wins coming by comfortable margins. Spain represents the first opponent with the talent and form to push them. DiLeo's scoring output against Australia shows she can carry an offense, and the Spanish defense has held up well against strong opposition.
All eyes will be on the Uber Arena on Saturday afternoon as Clark and DiLeo renew acquaintances on the biggest stage in women's basketball. The result will determine who plays for the gold medal on Sunday, with France and Germany waiting to see which team emerges from the semi-final.
According to Yahoo Sports.