USA Defeats France 97-79 to Win Fifth Straight FIBA Women’s World Cup.
The United States women’s national team claimed its fifth consecutive FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup championship on Sunday, defeating France 97-79 in Berlin after overcoming an early 14-point deficit.France, which fell to the U.S. by a single point in the 2024 Olympic gold-medal game, jumped out to a 31-17 lead early in the second quarter.
The Americans responded with a dominant stretch, including a 30-12 third quarter that put the game out of reach.The victory extends the U.S. winning streak in World Cup play to 36 consecutive games dating back to 2006. Including Olympic competition, the Americans have now won 72 straight games in major global tournaments.
The Americans responded with a dominant stretch, including a 30-12 third quarter that put the game out of reach.The victory extends the U.S. winning streak in World Cup play to 36 consecutive games dating back to 2006. Including Olympic competition, the Americans have now won 72 straight games in major global tournaments.
Team USA defeated Spain 76-66 in the semifinals of the FIBA Women’s World Cup on Saturday, Sept. 12, in Berlin, Germany.
France reached the FIBA World Cup final after defeating Germany 86-64. Gabby Williams led France with 22 points, five rebounds, five assists and four steals.
Breanna Stewart Named Tournament MVP
Breanna Stewart led the way with 22 points and 10 rebounds, becoming the first American to post a 20-10 double-double in a World Cup final since Lisa Leslie in 1998. Stewart was named the tournament’s Most Valuable Player.“These (other) teams are always continuing to be better, but we’re the standard,” Stewart said afterward. “We always have been.”Jackie Young added 18 points, six rebounds, and five assists. Caitlin Clark, competing in her first senior global championship, led the U.S. bench with 12 points. Chelsea Gray contributed 12 points and five assists.
Strong Performances from Veterans and Newcomers
Head coach Kara Lawson, in her first major tournament after succeeding Cheryl Reeve following the Paris Olympics, relied on her experienced starting group to spark the comeback.“It starts with Stewie, her leadership,” Lawson said. “Not just tonight. Throughout the whole tournament. Just helping to guide the younger players… and show them what it looks like to win.”Lawson also praised the supporting cast, highlighting key contributions from Rhyne Howard, Angel Reese, and Aaliyah Boston throughout the tournament.
U.S. Tested on the Road to the Title
The Americans faced more resistance than in previous World Cups, as Lawson had predicted due to growing international depth.They survived a three-point win over Italy in group play — their closest World Cup victory since 2006 — and needed a strong fourth quarter to pull away from Spain 76-66 in the semifinals.France entered the final with the second-most WNBA players in the tournament (eight), led by Gabby Williams, who scored 16 points in the first half before being limited to 1-of-7 shooting after intermission.
Despite missing A’ja Wilson, who withdrew shortly before the tournament for health reasons, the U.S. won all six of its games by an average of 26 points. Seven of the 12 roster players were competing in their first senior 5x5 global championship.“This wasn’t your typical USA Basketball team,” Lawson said. “I think it just shows the strength of our federation and, really, the strength of our players.”The win serves as the biggest tune-up for the Americans before they chase a record-extending ninth consecutive Olympic gold medal at the 2028 Los Angeles Games.
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