Berlin : United States women’s national basketball team defeated France 97–79 in Berlin to win the 2026 FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup.
The Americans used a mix of offensive efficiency, defensive intensity and depth to triumph against the French side that had earlier resisted all attacks. The Americans held on to win by 18 points.
In the first half USA started well, with captain Breanna Stewart providing an offensive spark. This was soon cancelled out by a powerful French response, scoring 21 points in a two-point burst, giving the French a 14-point lead in the early stages of the second quarter.
Gabby Williams, France’s big hitter, played a key role in this burst. The Americans fought back, and a last-gasp three-pointer from Caitlin Clark reduced the deficit to two points at the break.
In the 2nd half USA turns the game around. The turning point came in the third quarter when USA ramped up their defensive pressure and took advantage of scoring opportunities. Two consecutive three-pointers from Kahleah Copper and Jackie Young gave the Americans a 58–51 advantage.
“We are the standard,” said The USA captain Stewart, who also won the MVP. Breanna Stewart was the best player for the champion team, as she scored 22 points and gathered 10 rebounds.
Jackie Young (18 points) was also a key player for the Americans, as well as Kahleah Copper and Chelsea Gray, who provided a remarkable second-half surge.
Dominique Malonga led France in scoring with 21 points, and Gabby Williams added 20 points and seven assists. France had a phenomenal first half, scoring 30 points and building a 14-point lead. However, they could not keep up the same intensity and allowed the Americans to take control of the game.
The Americans enjoyed a 30–12 scoring advantage in the third quarter. They led by 19 points with a quarter to go, and France were unable to respond. The USA–France final was a two-halves match: France’s blistering first-half scoring was countered by a commanding American response. Stewart, Young and the defensive intensity ensured another world title for the USA.
Final score: USA 97, France 79.
