USA Retain FIBA Women’s World Cup

USA overcame a 14-point deficit to defeat France 97-79 and win a fifth consecutive Women’s World Cup title.

Damilare Adebayo · September 14, 2026 · 125

The United States have retained the FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup after defeating France 97-79 in the final in Berlin on Sunday.

The victory secured the Americans’ fifth consecutive World Cup title and their 12th championship overall, further extending their dominance in women’s international basketball.

The defending champions faced a major challenge early in the contest as France produced a stunning 21-2 scoring run to build a 14-point advantage in the second quarter.

However, the United States gradually recovered and entered halftime only two points behind after Caitlin Clark hit a crucial three-pointer.

The Americans then took control after the break, with Kahleah Copper and Jackie Young hitting consecutive three-pointers to give the United States the lead.

Team USA continued to pull away in the fourth quarter, with France unable to match the Americans’ intensity and defensive pressure.

Captain Breanna Stewart led the champions with 22 points and nine rebounds, while Jackie Young added 18 points. Kahleah Copper contributed 15 points and Caitlin Clark finished with 12.

France were led by Dominique Malonga, who scored 21 points, while Gabby Williams added 20 points and seven assists.

The defeat nevertheless marked a historic achievement for France, who were appearing in their first-ever Women’s World Cup final. Their silver medal is the country’s best result in the competition.

The United States also extended their remarkable World Cup winning streak to 36 games, with their last defeat in the competition coming against Russia in the 2006 semi-finals.

The Americans had reached the final after beating Spain 76-66 in the semi-finals, while France secured their place in the championship game by defeating hosts Germany 86-64.

Spain claimed the bronze medal after beating Germany 81-58 earlier on Sunday.

The latest triumph further strengthens the United States’ status as the dominant force in women’s international basketball, with the team continuing its remarkable run across major global competitions.