Breanna Stewart led the United States to its fifth consecutive FIBA Women’s World Cup championship on Sunday, guiding the team to a 97-79 victory over France in the gold-medal game. Stewart delivered a standout performance with 22 points, 10 rebounds, and four assists, earning her a second World Cup MVP award and cementing her status as a pivotal figure in international women’s basketball.
The tournament tested Team USA’s resilience, especially after key players A’ja Wilson and Kelsey Plum were sidelined due to injuries just before the competition began. The roster, the youngest and least experienced in recent years, faced significant challenges, including a scare in group play against Italy and a tough semifinal match against Spain. In the final, France built a 14-point lead in the second quarter— Team USA’s largest deficit of the tournament— putting the Americans in a precarious position.
Stewart emerged as the stabilizing force, sparking a 26-14 run to reduce the deficit to two points by halftime. The United States dominated the third quarter, outscoring France 30-12, during which Stewart tied the game with a layup on the first possession and controlled the boards. France’s otherwise sharp shooting cooled significantly, with their captain Gabby Williams held scoreless in the quarter.
Supporting Stewart's effort, Jackie Young contributed 18 points, six rebounds, and five assists, while Chelsea Gray added 12 points, four rebounds, and five assists. Together, the team rallied to maintain their dominance on the international stage despite the roster’s relative youth and the challenges faced.
Stewart’s career highlights underscore her exceptional influence on the game. The 32-year-old has never lost a game in major international competition, securing three Olympic gold medals and four World Cup titles. She also boasts a flawless NCAA Tournament record from her time at UConn and multiple professional championships, including three WNBA titles and three EuroLeague titles. Stewart attributes her success to what she calls “unrealistic confidence,” emphasizing her belief in being able to win at any moment, which she hopes inspires her teammates as well.
Team USA head coach Kara Lawson praised Stewart's versatility and leadership, noting her willingness to play any position and contribute in every way to secure victories. “She is USA Basketball,” Lawson said, reflecting on Stewart’s central role over the past 15 years.
As younger stars such as Caitlin Clark, Paige Bueckers, and Angel Reese begin to emerge, Stewart remains the team’s captain and cornerstone. Looking ahead, she expressed her intent to continue competing, with the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles as a clear target. “See you in LA,” Stewart said, signaling plans to build on her legacy on home soil.
With this latest title, the United States reinforced its position as the global standard in women’s basketball, driven by Stewart’s enduring excellence and leadership.