Team USA Clinches Gold at Water Polo World Cup With Local Stars

WHO:

Noozhawk - Team USA Women’s Senior National Water Polo Team

Noozhawk - Ryann Neushul (Dos Pueblos High, Stanford alum, 2024 Olympics)

Noozhawk - Paige Hauschild (San Marcos High, USC alum, 2020 Olympics)

News Channel 3-12 - Emily Ausmus (Player of the Match)

News Channel 3-12 - Amanda Longan (goalkeeper, Oaks Christian High School, Santa Barbara Water Polo Club)

UCLA Bruins - Rachel Fattal (UCLA’s all-time steals leader)

UCLA Bruins - Emma Lineback (UCLA alum)

UCLA Bruins - Adam Krikorian (head coach, UCLA Athletic Hall of Famer)

UCLA Bruins - Natalie Benson and Molly Cahill (assistant coaches)

WHAT:

Noozhawk - Team USA won the gold medal at the World Aquatics World Cup by defeating Spain, 13-9.

News Channel 3-12 - Emily Ausmus scored six goals and was named Player of the Match.

News Channel 3-12 - Amanda Longan made 13 saves in the match and was named the top goalie of the tournament.

UCLA Bruins - Rachel Fattal scored twice in the championship game and added another goal in the semifinals.

News Channel 3-12 - Team USA went 7/13 on power plays and 1/1 on penalties; Spain went 3/11 on power plays and 1/1 on penalties.

WHERE:

Noozhawk - The championship game took place in Sydney, Australia.

UCLA Bruins - The event was part of the 2026 World Aquatics Women’s Water Polo World Cup.

WHEN:

News Channel 3-12 - The final match occurred in 2026.

WHY:

Noozhawk - Team USA returned to the top of the World Cup podium after failing to qualify for the Final the previous year.

HOW:

Noozhawk - Team USA's defense held Spain to one goal in the last 12 and a half minutes of the match.

News Channel 3-12 - Team USA utilized effective ball control and stifling defense to secure the victory.

(UPDATED July 27, 2026 01:28 UTC)

Team USA's Women’s Senior National Water Polo Team clinched the gold medal at the 2026 World Aquatics Women’s Water Polo World Cup in Sydney, Australia, defeating Spain with a score of 13 to 9. Emily Ausmus shone in the championship match, scoring six goals and earning the title of Player of the Match, while goalkeeper Amanda Longan made 13 saves and was named the tournament's top goalie. This victory marks Team USA's return to the top of the World Cup podium after missing out on the Final the previous year, showcasing their strong defense that held Spain to just one goal in the last twelve and a half minutes of play.