The United States women’s basketball team continued its dominance at the international level by capturing the 2026 FIBA Women's World Cup title with a convincing 97-79 win over France. This marked the third straight major tournament victory for Team USA, extending their streak of consecutive wins at World Cups to 36 games and 72 in a row at major international tournaments. The last time the Americans lost a World Cup match was back in 2006, when they were defeated by Russia in the semifinals. This was Team USA’s fifth consecutive World Cup title and 12th overall, according to FIBA.
The tournament saw a strong performance from Breanna Stewart, who was named the World Cup MVP for the second time in her career, according to CBS Sports. Stewart led Team USA in scoring and rebounding throughout the competition, and was recognized as the best player on the floor during both the semifinal and final games. Stewart became the first player in Women’s World Cup history to win the tournament MVP award twice.
France, despite a strong showing in the tournament, was unable to overcome the Americans and settled for silver after reaching the final. The French team achieved their best-ever finish at a World Cup, but the loss to Team USA was a bitter pill to swallow. France was playing in its first World Cup final and had not won a medal at the tournament since taking bronze in 1953.
Early in the game, France took control and pushed ahead by as many as 14 points in the second quarter. However, Team USA quickly responded after halftime and took a lead that they never relinquished.
A key moment came in the third quarter when Kahleah Copper drove to the basket and drew a foul on Dominique Malonga. After review, Johannès was called for an unsportsmanlike foul, which gave Copper four free throws and possession of the ball. Copper made three of the four free throws, and then Aliyah Boston scored a basket on the next play.
Jackie Young was named Player of the Game by FIBA, finishing with 18 points, six rebounds, and five assists. Veterans Chelsea Gray and Kahleah Copper, who had struggled earlier in the tournament, delivered standout performances in the final. Caitlin Clark contributed 12 points and three assists off the bench, helping to solidify Team USA's lead.
The game was played in Berlin, where Team USA’s dominance was on full display in the second half. Gabby Williams led France with a strong effort, but it wasn’t enough to overcome the American team’s depth and experience, according to a report from The Guardian. The Americans outscored France 30-12 in the third quarter.
Iyana Martin was a key contributor for Spain, scoring 22 points and dishing out nine assists in the bronze-medal game against Germany. Martin’s performance brought her close to a double-double, just one assist away from achieving that milestone. FIBA named Martin the tournament’s Rising Star after she averaged 17.5 points per game for Spain.
The Americans’ third quarter was particularly strong, as they built a commanding lead that France could not overcome. Team USA’s veteran starters also played an important role in the victory, with players like Jackie Young and Kahleah Copper stepping up when needed. Young and Copper were part of the veteran starting group Team USA used throughout the tournament.
This win further cements Team USA’s reputation as one of the most dominant forces in women’s basketball history. The final scoreline reflected the team's control in the second half, with a 16-point lead entering the fourth quarter. The official FIBA scoring shows the United States ahead 73-57 after three quarters.
The victory was especially meaningful as it continued Team USA’s legacy of excellence in international competition. France’s silver medal finish represented their highest-ever result at a World Cup, but they were unable to claim the top spot.
The game was a showcase of skill and determination from both sides, but ultimately Team USA’s experience and depth proved decisive. Breanna Stewart's second MVP award highlights her continued impact on the team and the sport.
The tournament also featured standout performances from other players, including Leonie Fiebich of Germany and Jackie Young of the USA. This championship adds to Team USA’s impressive list of achievements at major international events. Fiebich, Young, Stewart, Williams and Martin were named to the tournament’s All-Star Five.