U.S. rallies past France to claim fifth consecutive women’s FIBA World Cup

The United States has won its fifth consecutive women’s FIBA World Cup title after defeating France 97-79 in Berlin.

France led by 14 points in the second quarter before the U.S. rallied to trail 45-43 at half-time. The Americans then took control in the third quarter, opening with an 11-2 run and building a 73-57 lead by the final break.

Breanna Stewart scored 22 points and was named tournament MVP, while Jackie Young added 18. Caitlin Clark hit a three-pointer just before half-time as the U.S. recovered from its difficult start.

ESPN reported that the victory extended the U.S. winning streak at the women’s FIBA World Cup to 36 matches, dating back to the 2006 semi-finals. It also maintained the team’s 9-0 record in World Cup gold-medal games since 1983.

France’s defeat nevertheless delivered its best finish in the event. Dominique Malonga scored 21 points and Gabby Williams added 20 for France, which had also narrowly lost to the U.S. in the 2024 Paris Olympic gold-medal game.