Team USA women’s basketball coach, Kara Lawson, hopes her team can unite Americans during an emotional weekend for the country. The U.S. progressed to the FIBA Women’s World Cup championship game with a 76-66 win over Spain in Berlin. This success comes one day after the 25th anniversary of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks.
Lawson emphasized the importance of winning the championship, especially after the somber anniversary. She expressed pride in representing the U.S. as part of USA Basketball, noting her involvement since the age of 17. She spoke about feeling the presence of the U.S. in Europe, especially on the 9/11 anniversary.
The 2001 terrorist attacks claimed nearly 3,000 lives in New York City, the Pentagon, and near Shanksville, Pennsylvania. Remembrance ceremonies took place across the country to mark the milestone.
Lawson described the anniversary as a “powerful memory” that remains significant to her and the team beyond one day. Winning the World Cup would be meaningful for the team. She believes their potential influence extends beyond the women’s basketball community, promoting unity across the country.
Lawson’s longstanding connection with USA Basketball began in her teenage years. She contributed to winning an Olympic gold medal as a player in the 2008 Beijing Games. As a coach, she led the U.S. to the inaugural women’s 3×3 basketball gold medal at the Tokyo Olympics and served as an assistant in the 2024 Paris Games. USA Basketball appointed Lawson in 2025 to lead the women’s national team through the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
Lawson is close to winning her first major international championship as the head coach of the five-on-five senior team. Her team faced a tough semifinal against Spain, entering the fourth quarter tied at 58. The U.S. held Spain to eight points in the final period, securing a 12-2 run to pull away. Breanna Stewart led Team USA with 16 points, supported by Kahleah Copper with 13 and Jackie Young with 12 points.
With this victory, the Americans extended their World Cup winning streak to 35 games, having remained unbeaten since the 2006 semifinals against Russia. Team USA is set to face France in Sunday’s championship game following France’s 86-64 victory over Germany. This matchup serves as a rematch of the 2024 Olympic gold-medal game in Paris. The U.S. narrowly won that encounter 67-66, despite France’s Gabby Williams making a shot with her foot on the 3-point line as time expired.
France has entered the World Cup final unbeaten, surpassing the U.S. in FIBA’s final power ranking after group play. The Americans pursue their fifth consecutive World Cup championship and 12th overall. France is set for its first World Cup final appearance.
Faith plays a crucial role for Team USA guard Paige Bueckers. She openly discusses her Christian beliefs through her college and professional career. Bueckers highlights her relationship with Jesus Christ during the tournament as her rock and foundation.
Caitlin Clark and USA head coach Kara Lawson are pictured during the FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup 2026 quarterfinals match against Hungary in Berlin, on Sept. 10, 2026.