The FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup 2026 semi-final between Team USA and Spain has been officially rescheduled to a new tip-off time, organizers confirmed, citing international broadcast demands for one of the tournament’s marquee matchups.
The high-stakes clash, set for Saturday, September 12 in Berlin, will now tip at 20:00 local time (18:00 GMT / 2:00 p.m. ET) at Berlin Arena. The adjustment reflects the massive worldwide audience expected for a rematch of the 2014 World Cup final, which the United States won 77-64.
Team USA enters the semi-finals riding an extraordinary wave of dominance. The Americans have extended their World Cup winning streak and are chasing a fifth consecutive title. Their quarterfinal demolition of Hungary by a 108-56 score included tournament records for points and assists in the knockout stage. Stars including Breanna Stewart, Napheesa Collier, Caitlin Clark, and others have powered the undefeated run under coach Kara Lawson.
Spain returns to the final four for the first time since 2018, having topped Australia in the quarterfinals. The Spanish side, featuring veterans like Alba Torrens alongside emerging talent, seeks to upset the perennial champions and reach a second World Cup final after finishing as runners-up in 2014. Historical head-to-head favors the U.S., which has won every meeting since the 1992 Olympics, but Spain’s experience and physical frontcourt present a stiff test.
The other semi-final pits France against host Germany earlier in the day. The winner of USA-Spain will advance to Sunday’s gold-medal game, with the losers contesting for bronze.
Tournament officials noted that shifting the tip-off maximizes live viewing windows across key markets in North America, Europe, and beyond. “This matchup carries the kind of global draw that defines the World Cup,” a FIBA statement indicated, underscoring the event’s growing commercial and competitive stature.
Fans are urged to check local listings for the updated schedule. With gold on the line and two basketball powerhouses colliding, the rescheduled tip-off ensures no one has to miss a second of what promises to be one of the defining games of the 2026 tournament.
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