USA beat Spain to claim seventh Women’s World Cup title

The United States defeated Spain 13-9 in Sydney to win a record-extending seventh Women’s World Cup title and complete an impressive return to the top of the international game.

Adam Krikorian’s side pulled away after three closely contested quarters, scoring the final five goals of the match and keeping Spain scoreless throughout the fourth period.

Emily Ausmus produced the standout attacking performance with six goals, while Amanda Longan made 13 saves and was later named the tournament’s best goalkeeper.

The victory gave the USA their fifth World Cup title in the past six editions, having previously won the competition in 1979, 2010, 2014, 2018, 2023 and 2024.

USA led 4-3 after the opening quarter, with Ausmus scoring twice alongside Rachel Gazzaniga and Rachel Fattal. Spain remained close and levelled through Elena Ruiz at the beginning of the second period.

The Americans responded by moving 6-4 ahead before Paula Camus converted a rebound to reduce the deficit. Ausmus then struck again to send USA into half-time with a 7-5 advantage.

Spain fought back strongly after the restart. Goals from Alba Munoz, Ariadna Ruiz and Elena Ruiz helped bring the scores level at 8-8 midway through the third quarter.

That proved to be the turning point.

Fattal restored the American lead before Ausmus scored twice more to complete a decisive three-goal run. Camus found the net with eight seconds remaining in the period, but Spain would not score again.

Jordan Raney struck twice in the final quarter as USA controlled the closing stages and completed a 13-9 victory.

View this post on Instagram

“We’re really happy to win, but I think our goal is always just to get better and to play better as a team,” captain Rachel Fattal said.

“The ultimate goal is years down the road, but this is a great step along the way.”

Spain’s silver medal was their best-ever World Cup finish, improving on the bronze medals won in 2014 and 2023.

Australia secured bronze on home soil after defeating Russia 12-9. Alice Williams scored four goals, while tournament MVP Tilly Kearns added a hat-trick as the Stingers collected their 12th World Cup medal.

In the classification matches, the Netherlands secured fifth place with a convincing 12-5 win over Italy. Hungary finished seventh after beating China 12-8, ending their tournament with a four-goal victory.

Longan was named best goalkeeper, Spain’s Paula Crespi received the best defender award and Ausmus finished as the tournament’s leading scorer with 11 goals.