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Spain

Queen Letizia attends final of Women’s Basketball World Cup

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.

The Queen speaks to Spain’s captain, Laia Palau. © Casa de S.M. el Rey

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.

Sue Bird lifts the trophy after the United States won the tournament for the ninth time. © Casa de S.M. el Rey

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.

About author

Brittani is from Tennessee, USA. She is a political scientist and historian after graduating with a degree in the topics from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, in December 2014. She also holds a master's degree from Northeastern University. She enjoys reading and researching all things regarding the royals of the world. She's been researching, reading, and writing on royalty for over a decade. She became Europe Editor in October 2016, and then Deputy Editor in January 2019, and has been featured on several podcasts, radio shows, news broadcasts and websites including Global News Canada, ABC News Australia, WION India and BBC World News.