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USA vs. Italy Live Score, Updates, Highlights from Caitlin Clark and More in 2026 FIBA World Cup
The U.S. kicked off its FIBA Women’s World Cup campaign with aplomb, vanquishing China, 94-71, behind strong displays from its backcourt standouts. Next up on the docket for Kara Lawson’s squad: a tilt against Italy, a side that the Americans dominated during qualifying .
WATCH:
Team USA secured a 93-59 victory over the Italians in Puerto Rico, racing out in front courtesy of inspired displays from Caitlin Clark, Paige Bueckers and Kahleah Copper . But the World Cup stage is a different beast, and Italy is eager to prove its mettle against the four-time defending champions.
Italy has emerged as one of Europe’s better international sides in recent years, earning a third-place finish in EuroBasket in 2025 . They opened their World Cup campaign with a hard-fought 63-54 win over Czechia on Friday . With Valkyries standout Cecilia Zandalasini leading the line, the Italians have dreams of securing a podium finish. A solid showing against the U.S. would go a long way to making that vision a reality .
The Sporting News is tracking live updates from Team USA’s second group stage match against Italy. Follow below for highlights, analysis and more from the FIBA Women’s World Cup fixture .
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USA vs. Italy Women’s Basketball Live Score
Team Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Final
USA – – – – –
Italy – – – – –
(Updates will start closer to the game’s 2:45 p.m. ET tip-off)
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Caitlin Clark Stats Today
Category Stat
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USA vs. Italy Updates, Results, Highlights from 2026 FIBA World Cup
All times ET. Updates will start closer to tip-off.
This section will be updated with live action during the game.
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A Historic Debut for Clark
All eyes are on Caitlin Clark as she makes her highly anticipated World Cup debut. The Indiana Fever star came off the bench in the opener against China but still logged a team-high 25 minutes of action . She put on a show, finishing with a team-high 14 points on 4-of-9 shooting, including three triples, and dished out a game-high 11 assists .
Her performance was historic: Clark became the first player in Women’s World Cup history to record at least 10 assists without a turnover . Her 11 assists were the most by a U.S. player in a World Cup game since Dawn Staley recorded 12 in 1998 . She also set a new Team USA record for assists in a Women’s World Cup debut, breaking Alyssa Thomas’s previous mark of 9 . Clark’s double-double and historic performance earned her Player of the Game honors .
Despite this, head coach Kara Lawson has decided to keep Clark coming off the bench for the Italy matchup, sticking with a veteran-heavy starting five . Clark’s impact off the bench against China was significant; she tied Paige Bueckers and Rhyne Howard for the team lead in points and posted a +30 plus/minus while on the court .
Italy’s Challenge
Italy enters the game with confidence after their opening win against Czechia. The team is led by Cecilia Zandalasini, who is a known threat for the Italians . Over 500 Italian fans were reported to be in Berlin to support the Azzurre, highlighting the significance of this matchup . Prior to this year, Italy hadn’t appeared at a World Cup since 1994, making this a monumental occasion for them .
Team USA, on the other hand, enters the matchup with a 1-0 record and a 31-game winning streak in FIBA Women’s World Cup play . The U.S. has won four straight gold medals in the competition and enters the tournament unbeaten in its last 30 World Cup matches .
How to Watch USA FIBA Women’s World Cup Basketball Games
· Date: Sunday, September 6, 2026
· Time: 2:45 p.m. ET
· TV channel: truTV, TNT
· Live stream: DIRECTV, HBO Max
Team USA FIBA Women’s World Cup Schedule 2026
Team USA is competing in Group A alongside Senegal, Puerto Rico, Italy, New Zealand, and Spain. Here is their schedule for the group stage :
Date Game/Result Time (ET) TV/Live stream
Sept. 4 USA 94, China 71 8:15 a.m. truTV, DIRECTV, HBO Max
Sept. 6 USA vs. Italy 2:45 p.m. truTV, DIRECTV, HBO Max
Team USA FIBA Women’s World Cup Basketball Roster
The U.S. roster is loaded with WNBA talent, featuring :
· Guards: Caitlin Clark (Indiana Fever), Chelsea Gray, Jackie Young, Rhyne Howard, Paige Bueckers
· Forwards: Breanna Stewart, Napheesa Collier, Kahleah Copper, Aliyah Boston, Angel Reese, Kiki Iriafen, Sonia Citron
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Full Box Score Stats
USA Stats
Detailed statistics for Team USA players will be available post-game. The roster includes potential key contributors such as Sonia Citron, Kahleah Copper, Chelsea Gray, Kiki Iriafen, Breanna Stewart, Napheesa Collier, Aliyah Boston, and Angel Reese .
Italy Stats
Italy’s roster features players like Jasmine Keys, Matilde Villa, Francesca Pasa, Costanza Verona, Cecilia Zandalasini, Francesca Pan, Lorela Cubaj, Sara Madera, Mariella Santucci, Martina Fassina, Olbis Andre, and Vittoria Blassigh .
