Queen Letizia of Spain attended the Women’s Basketball World Cup (or FIBA Tenerife 2018) yesterday in San Cristobal de La Laguna where she awarded the trophy to the winning United States team at the Sports Pavilion of Tenerife Santiago Martín Arena.
Her Majesty watched the United States take on Australia in the final on Sunday, with the American team coming out victorious 73-56. She had previously watched Spain face off against Belgium when the Spanish team won the bronze medal for the tournament with a score of 67-60. She also made sure to go to Spain’s locker room to show her support for and encourage her national team.
When the final buzzer sounded in the final for the Women’s World Cup, Queen Letizia went on the court to present the trophy to the captain of the United States team, Sue Bird. She remained on the court while “The Star-Spangled Banner” (the US national anthem) was sung and the American flag raised.
The United States has been a powerhouse in the FIBA Women’s World Cup winning nine of the 17 editions (the most of any country). Not surprising as basketball was created in the United States and remains one of the most popular sports in the country.
This was the 18th edition of the Women’s Basketball World Cup, known from 1953 to 2014 as the FIBA Women’s Basketball World Championship, which took place in Spain from 22 to 30 September. It is held every four years and brings together the best teams from Africa, the Americas, Asia and Europe (the four regions of FIBA).
The first tournament took place in Chile in 1953 with the United States winning it all in its inaugural year.