The United States women’s basketball team won a fifth consecutive FIBA World Cup title after overcoming France 97-79 in the final in Berlin.
The victory extended the Americans’ World Cup winning run to 36 matches, dating back to their semi-final defeat by Russia in 2006. It also marked their ninth successive win in a gold-medal game since they finished runners-up to the Soviet Union in 1983.
France threatened to produce a major upset after taking control in the first half. The US fell 14 points behind, trailed 20-17 at the end of the opening quarter and then conceded the first 11 points of the second, leaving France 31-17 ahead.
Breanna Stewart and Jackie Young helped the Americans recover before Caitlin Clark’s three-pointer just before half-time reduced the deficit to 45-43.
The United States seized control after the interval, opening the third quarter with an 11-2 run to move 54-47 in front. Stewart scored four points during the decisive spell and finished with 22, while Young contributed 18.
France briefly narrowed the gap to 55-51, but the Americans responded with a 16-3 burst. Two unsportsmanlike fouls were called against France on the same play, and the United States led 73-57 heading into the final quarter.
Stewart, who was named tournament MVP, secured her fourth World Cup title. The victory came despite the United States appearing more vulnerable than during previous editions of its long-running dominance.
A three-point win over Italy in the group stage had been the closest result in that phase for 50 years, while the 10-point semi-final victory over Spain was the narrowest of the tournament’s semi-finals during the streak.
The United States fielded its second-youngest World Cup squad, with Clark, Angel Reese and Paige Bueckers among those making their first appearances for the national team. It was the experienced players who ultimately led the side to the title.
France’s defeat nevertheless represented its best finish in the competition. The team had been seeking revenge after losing the 2024 Olympic final to the United States by a single point.
Dominique Malonga scored 21 points for France, with Gabby Williams adding 20. Spain defeated hosts Germany to take the bronze medal.
