The United States secured its fifth consecutive FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup title with a 97-79 victory over France on Sunday in Berlin. The win underscores the continued dominance of the U.S. women’s national team, despite growing competition and a transitional phase marked by the introduction of younger players.
Throughout the tournament, France had emerged as a strong contender, entering the final undefeated and posing a significant challenge to the American team. Early in the championship game, France applied intense defensive pressure and an aggressive offense, building a 14-point lead early in the second quarter—the largest deficit the U.S. has faced in a World Cup game since 2006. However, the United States responded with a late first-half surge and took control in the second half.
Breanna Stewart, who was named the tournament’s most valuable player for the second time in her career, led the U.S. with 22 points and 10 rebounds. Stewart’s performance was instrumental in shifting momentum, particularly in the third quarter when the U.S. erased the deficit and opened up a sizable lead. Napheesa Collier and Jackie Young also contributed key baskets during this run. Young finished with 18 points, 6 rebounds, and 5 assists, while Kahleah Copper, Chelsea Gray, and Caitlin Clark each scored in double digits.
The American squad was tested defensively against France’s leading scorer, Gabby Williams, who averaged 18.4 points per game heading into the final. A concerted defensive effort, led by Copper, Young, and Rhyne Howard, limited Williams’s impact, holding her scoreless during the pivotal third quarter. Williams ended with 20 points, while Dominique Malonga led France with 21 points and 6 rebounds.
The U.S. team dealt with some challenges ahead of the tournament, including the absence of key players A’ja Wilson and Kelsey Plum due to injuries, as well as integrating new talents such as Clark, Paige Bueckers, and Angel Reese. Coach Kara Lawson credited the team’s preparation and strategic adjustments during halftime as critical factors in overcoming France’s early dominance.
For France, the silver medal marked their best finish in World Cup history and their first podium appearance since winning bronze in 1953. Spain secured the bronze medal with an 81-58 win over Germany, featuring six W.N.B.A. players on their roster.
Looking ahead, the next Women’s World Cup is scheduled for Tokyo in 2030, with a new window from November 26 to December 8. This change is designed to avoid conflicts with the W.N.B.A. season as the league continues to expand its global reach.