United States Claims Fifth Straight FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup Title

USA’s team celebrates with their gold medals after the 2026 FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup final game between the United States and France in Berlin on September 13, 2026. (Photo by Tobias SCHWARZ / AFP via Getty Images)

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The United States entered the gold medal game with a flawless 35-0 record in FIBA World Cup competition, with their last defeat coming against Russia in the semi-finals back in 2006. Living up to the immense pressure placed upon them, Team USA secured a commanding victory over France, 97-79.

France arrived at the matchup with an 1-7 all-time record against the United States. Despite a thrilling first half in which France shot 58% (7-for-12) from three-point range and forced eight turnovers, the French team faded noticeably in the second half.

France’s captain and leading scorer in the first half, Gabby Williams, managed only four points after halftime. Additionally, a France squad that had led the tournament in three-pointers made per game with 15 was limited to just 11 for the game overall, and only four in the second half.

A silver lining for France in the defeat was the performance of young generational talent Dominique Malonga, who contributed 21 points. However, no other players on the French roster besides Williams and Malonga reached double digits.

A Tale of Two Halves

Returning from halftime with a two-point deficit at 45-43, the United States appeared to find its rhythm, outscoring France 30-12 in the third quarter. Team USA closed out the period with a game-high 16-point lead at 73-57.

In the fourth quarter, the Americans continued to extend their advantage, guided by their veteran leadership and starting five. The U.S. never allowed France to trim the deficit to fewer than 14 points.

Breanna Stewart posted a double-double with 22 points, 10 rebounds, and four assists. She was supported by Jackie Young, who earned Player of the Game honors with 18 points, six rebounds, and five assists.

Stewart was additionally named MVP of the tournament. For Stewart, who has never lost a collegiate championship, World Cup, or Olympic contest, the accolade adds another milestone to an illustrious career. She is the only player on the current roster to have played and won gold in four World Cups, and she now ranks fifth all-time in Team USA scoring with 288 career points. Stewart joins Sue Bird, now Managing Director of the USA Women’s Basketball National Team, as the only players to capture four FIBA World Cup gold medals.

By comparison, Team USA placed five players in double figures. Kahleah Copper contributed 15 points, Chelsea Gray added 12, and Caitlin Clark recorded 12 points including a pivotal three-pointer that brought the deficit to two at the half. Clark shot 67% from beyond the arc.

In the post-game interview, Gray explained the team’s approach: “We did it by committee. Everybody stepped up. Kara [Lawson] said in the locker room we are going to play our best basketball and there is a lot of noise out there, and I am pretty sure we quieted that a little bit.”

She continued, “Our depth is our strength. Everybody came to play. Everybody was on point and cheering for each other. We wanted the best for the next person.”

Echoing Gray’s sentiment, Stewart said following her victory and MVP trophy presentation, “We are the standard. We always have been, and we are continuing to do that by winning a gold medal—and not forgetting that. It is always about us.”

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