BERLIN — The United States women’s national basketball team extended its historic dominance by capturing its fifth consecutive FIBA World Cup title, defeating host nation France 97-79 on Sunday. The victory, secured in Berlin, brings the American total to 36 straight wins at the tournament, a streak that dates back to a 2006 semifinal loss to Russia. The U.S. also improved to a perfect 9-0 record in gold-medal matches since finishing as runners-up in 1983.
Despite the comfortable final margin, the contest was far from straightforward for the Americans, who trailed France by 14 points midway through the first half. Facing their largest deficit of the tournament, the U.S. rallied behind two-way performances from MVP Breanna Stewart and Jackie Young to trim the gap to two points by halftime. Caitlin Clark capped the half with a three-pointer just before the buzzer.
The Americans seized control early in the second half, opening the third quarter on an 11-2 run to take a 54-47 lead. Stewart, who collected her fourth World Cup title, scored four points during that decisive stretch. France briefly cut the deficit to 55-51 later in the quarter, but a 16-3 scoring surge, fueled by two unsportsmanlike fouls called on French players, pushed the U.S. ahead 73-57 heading into the final period.
Stewart finished with a team-high 22 points, while Young contributed 18. For France, Dominique Malonga led all scorers with 21 points and Gabby Williams added 20. The defeat marked France’s best-ever finish in the competition, avenging their one-point loss to the U.S. in the 2024 Paris Olympic final.
The win underscores the resilience of a young American roster featuring newcomers such as Clark, Angel Reese, and Paige Bueckers. Veterans Stewart and Young anchored the squad as the team navigated its most challenging tournament run during the current winning streak. Earlier rounds saw narrow victories over Italy and Spain, contrasting with previous tournaments where the U.S. averaged 26-point margins in medal-round games.
In other action, Spain claimed the bronze medal by topping host Germany.
Caitlin Clark hitting that buzzer-beater before halftime? Iconic moment. The rookies are fitting right in with the veterans. Exciting future ahead.
France playing host must have been a huge factor. They certainly gave it their all and secured their best finish ever. Respect to the hosts.
Is this the final chapter for the streak? This was the closest they’ve looked vulnerable since 2006. Maybe the rest of the world is finally catching up?
I thought it would be an easy win on paper. The halftime deficit really shook me. I underestimated France’s defensive pressure all tournament.
That second-half run was absolutely brutal. Breanna Stewart is carrying the load again, as usual. A true legend of the game.