USA Beats France 97-79 to Claim Historic 2026 FIBA World Cup Championship
The 2026 FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup concludes this weekend in Berlin, Germany.
The United States women’s basketball team has won another major international championship after defeating France 97-79 in the 2026 FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup final in Berlin.
The victory gave the Americans their fifth consecutive FIBA Women’s World Cup title. France led by 14 points early in the game, but the United States produced a dominant second half to complete the comeback.
The U.S. also extended its remarkable World Cup winning streak to 36 consecutive games dating back to 2006.
The FIBA Women's championship matchup is a highly anticipated rematch of the dramatic 2024 Paris Olympics gold medal game.
France has qualified for FIBA Women's World Cup final for the first time after defeating host nation Germany 86-64 in the semifinals on Saturday, September 12. Later that day, Team USA also secured its spot in Women's FIBA World Cup Final by defeating Spain 76–66 for the fourth time in FIBA World Cup final.
USA Defeats France 97-79 to Win 2026 FIBA Women’s World Cup
France came out aggressively in the championship game and built a commanding advantage.
The French team took a 31-17 lead early in the second quarter, putting the United States under immediate pressure.
The Americans responded before halftime and then completely changed the game after the break. The U.S. dominated the third quarter 30-12, turning the deficit into a comfortable lead.
France could not recover in the final period as the United States closed out the 97-79 victory.
Breanna Stewart Named 2026 FIBA World Cup MVP
Breanna Stewart was the standout performer for the United States in the final.
Stewart finished with 22 points and 10 rebounds, recording a 20-point, 10-rebound double-double in a World Cup final.
She became the first American to achieve that feat in a World Cup final since Lisa Leslie in 1998.
Stewart’s outstanding tournament earned her the 2026 FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup Most Valuable Player award.
Following the victory, Stewart acknowledged the improvement of international basketball while emphasizing the United States’ continued standards.
Jackie Young Scores 18 Points in Championship Victory
Jackie Young played a major role in the United States’ comeback.
Young scored 18 points and added six rebounds and five assists as the Americans pulled away from France.
Caitlin Clark contributed 12 points from the bench in her first senior global championship.
Chelsea Gray also scored 12 points and finished with five assists.
The production from several players allowed the United States to overcome France’s strong opening and maintain control during the second half.
Kara Lawson Wins First Major Tournament as USA Head Coach
The championship represents a major achievement for Kara Lawson, who guided the United States in her first major tournament as head coach.
Lawson took over from Cheryl Reeve following the Paris Olympics and entered the World Cup with a roster that included several players with limited senior international experience.
Lawson credited Stewart’s leadership throughout the tournament and highlighted her ability to guide younger teammates.
The coach also praised the contributions of Rhyne Howard, Angel Reese and Aaliyah Boston during the United States’ championship run.
USA Survives Tough Competition on Road to Championship
The United States faced more difficult challenges than in several previous World Cup tournaments.
The Americans needed a three-point victory over Italy during group play. It was their closest World Cup victory since 2006.
The U.S. then faced Spain in the semifinals and won 76-66 after pulling away in the fourth quarter.
Despite the increased competition, the United States remained undefeated throughout the tournament.
France Starts Fast Behind Gabby Williams
France’s strong start was led by Gabby Williams.
Williams scored 16 points in the first half as France established its early lead.
The United States adjusted defensively after halftime, limiting Williams to just 1-of-7 shooting in the second half.
France also entered the final with eight WNBA players, giving the team one of the deepest groups of WNBA talent in the tournament.
USA Wins Without A’ja Wilson
The United States entered the tournament without A’ja Wilson, who withdrew shortly before the competition for health reasons.
Her absence created another challenge for Lawson’s team, especially with several players making their first senior 5-on-5 global championship appearance.
Seven of the 12 players on the U.S. roster were competing in their first senior 5-on-5 global championship.
Despite those challenges, the Americans won all six games and finished the tournament with an average winning margin of 26 points.
USA Extends World Cup Winning Streak to 36 Games
The victory over France extended the United States’ extraordinary dominance in FIBA Women’s World Cup competition.
The Americans have now won 36 consecutive World Cup games dating back to 2006.
Including Olympic competition, the United States has won 72 straight games in major global tournaments.
The latest championship further strengthens the United States’ position as the dominant force in international women’s basketball.
2026 FIBA Women’s World Cup Final Score
United States 97, France 79
Champion: United States
Runner-up: France
Final MVP: Breanna Stewart
U.S. title streak: Five consecutive World Cup championships
World Cup winning streak: 36 games
Major global tournament winning streak: 72 games
2026 FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup FAQs
Who won the 2026 FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup?
The United States won the 2026 FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup after defeating France 97-79 in the final.
What was the score of the 2026 FIBA Women’s World Cup final?
The United States defeated France 97-79 in the championship game.
How many consecutive World Cup titles has the USA won?
The United States has won five consecutive FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup titles.
Who was the 2026 FIBA Women’s World Cup MVP?
Breanna Stewart was named the tournament MVP.
How many points did Breanna Stewart score in the final?
Stewart scored 22 points and grabbed 10 rebounds against France.
How many points did Caitlin Clark score in the final?
Caitlin Clark scored 12 points from the bench in her first senior global championship.
How long is the USA’s FIBA World Cup winning streak?
The United States has won 36 consecutive FIBA Women’s World Cup games dating back to 2006.
USA Looks Ahead to 2028 Los Angeles Olympics
The 2026 World Cup championship gives the United States another major international title before the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
The Americans will attempt to extend their record run of eight consecutive Olympic gold medals at the 2028 Games.
With veterans such as Stewart and Gray alongside emerging stars including Clark, Reese and Boston, the United States has demonstrated significant depth heading into the next Olympic cycle.
USA Completes Another Historic FIBA World Cup Run
The United States overcame a 14-point deficit to defeat France 97-79 and claim its fifth consecutive FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup championship.
Stewart led the way with 22 points and 10 rebounds, earning tournament MVP honors, while Young, Clark and Gray provided valuable support.
The championship also marked a successful first major tournament for Lawson as head coach. The United States now turns its attention toward the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics and another opportunity to extend its historic international winning streak.
_______
0 Comments