U.S. Women’s Basketball Team Triumphs in FIBA World Cup

On September 13, 2026, the U.S. Women’s Basketball Team achieved a remarkable victory over France in the FIBA World Cup, securing their fifth consecutive title. The final score of 97-79 underscored the team’s dominance in the second half. This win marks the Americans’ 36th straight World Cup victory, a streak that began after losing to Russia in the 2006 semifinals.

The path to victory was challenging. In the first half, the U.S. faced a 14-point deficit, the largest they had seen in the tournament. Breanna Stewart and Jackie Young led the team’s comeback efforts, reducing the gap to two points by halftime. Caitlin Clark’s crucial 3-pointer just before halftime served as a momentum booster.

The U.S. started strong in the third quarter with an 11-2 run, putting them ahead at 54-47. Breanna Stewart, named tournament MVP, contributed four points to this decisive run and finished the game with 22 points, while Young scored 18.

Despite France narrowing the score to 55-51, the U.S. maintained their lead with a 16-3 surge. This run included two unsportsmanlike fouls against France. By the end of the third quarter, the Americans were ahead at 73-57, a lead France couldn’t overcome.

Notably, this was the second-youngest team the U.S. sent to a World Cup. Newcomers like Caitlin Clark, Angel Reese, and Paige Bueckers experienced their first competition with the national team, although the veteran players drove the team’s victory.

The Americans seemed vulnerable during this tournament, with narrow victories such as a three-point win over Italy in pool play, the closest group-stage game in 50 years. A 10-point win over Spain marked the closest semifinal encounter in the team’s recent streak. Yet, the team concluded the event as champions, mirroring outcomes from prior World Cup tournaments.

For France, the loss marked their best finish in the event. The French aimed for the gold, still remembering their near-victory against the U.S. in the 2024 Paris Olympic gold-medal game, where they lost by one point. Key players for France included Dominique Malonga, with 21 points, and Gabby Williams, with 20.

France started strong, with the U.S. trailing 20-17 after the first quarter. The French increased their lead to 31-17 at the start of the second quarter after an 11-point streak capped by Williams’ 3-pointer. However, the U.S. rallied back to trail 45-43 by halftime, aided by Clark’s critical buzzer-beater.

Elsewhere, Spain defeated host Germany to secure the bronze medal.