USA’s team celebrates with their gold medals after the 2026 FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup final game between the United States and France in Berlin on September 13, 2026. (Photo by Tobias SCHWARZ / AFP via Getty Images)
AFP via Getty Images
The US entered the gold medal game 35-0 in FIBA World Cup play, the team’s last loss was to Russia in the semi-finals in 2006. Despite the enormous pressure on Team USA’s shoulders they secured the win, defeating France, 97-79.
France came into the matchup, 1-7 all-time against the US. Despite an electric first, half which saw France shoot 58% (7-for-12) from beyond the arc, and create eight turnovers, France cooled off the in second half.
France’s captain and first half leading scorer (16 points), Gabby Williams was held to four points in the second half. Furthermore, France who had led the tournament in three-pointers made per game with 15, were held to 11 total for the game, and only four in the second half.
France’s forward #15 Gabby Williams reacts during the 2026 FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup final game between the United States and France in Berlin on September 13, 2026. (Photo by Tobias SCHWARZ / AFP via Getty Images)
AFP via Getty Images
A bright spot for France in the loss was the play of young, generational talent Dominique Malonga who contributed 21 points, but no other players outside of Williams and Malonga reached double digits.
BERLIN, GERMANY – SEPTEMBER 13: Dominique Malonga of France goes up for a shot against player of USA during the FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup Germany 2026 final between France and USA at Berlin Arena on September 13, 2026 in Berlin, Germany. (Photo by Mami Yasui/FIBA via Getty Images)
FIBA via Getty Images
USA Wins Gold, A Tale of Two Halves
USA’s team celebrates after the 2026 FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup final game between the United States and France in Berlin on September 13, 2026. (Photo by Tobias SCHWARZ / AFP via Getty Images)
AFP via Getty Images
Out of halftime, down two points 45-43, the US seemed to find the spark they needed as the team outscored France 30-12. Team USA closed out the third quarter with the largest lead at that point in the game, 16 points, up 73-57.
In the fourth quarter, USA continued to push their lead, led by their veteran leadership, and starting five. USA never allowed France to come back within more than 14 points.
Player of the game USA’s guard #13 Jackie Young celebrates after the 2026 FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup final game between the United States and France in Berlin on September 13, 2026. (Photo by Tobias SCHWARZ / AFP via Getty Images)
AFP via Getty Images
Breanna Stewart had a double-dobule with 22 points, 10 rebounds, and four assists. Stewart was complimented by Jackie Young, who was named Player of the Game, with 18 points, six rebounds, and five assists.
Additionally, Stewart was named MVP of the tournament. For Stewart, who has never lost a collegiate championship, World Cup, or Olympic game.
She is the only player on the current roster to play and win gold in four world cups, and now ranks fifth all-time with Team USA scoring a career 288 points. Stewart joins now Managing Director of of the USA Women’s Basketball National Team, Sue Bird as the only player to win four FIBA World Cup gold medals.
USA’s power forward #10 Breanna Stewart celebrates after the 2026 FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup final game between the United States and France in Berlin on September 13, 2026. (Photo by Tobias SCHWARZ / AFP via Getty Images)
AFP via Getty Images
In comparison to France, Team USA had five playes in double-digits, with Kahleah Copper contributing 15 points, Chelsea Gray with 12 points, and Caitlin Clark with 12 points including a crucial three pointer to bring it within two points at the half, and shooting 67% from beyond the arc.
In the post win interview, Gray explained, “We did it by committee. Everybody stepped up. Kara [Lawson] said in the locker room we are going to play our best basketball and there is a lot of noise out there and I am pretty sure we quieted that a little bit.”
She continued, “Our depth is our strength. Everybody came to play. Everybody was on point and cheering for each other. We wanted the best for the next person.”
Echoing Gray, Stewart stated after the win and receiving her MVP trophy and gold medal, “We [Team USA] are the standard. We always have been and we are continuing to do that winning a gold medal, and not forgetting that; it is always about us.”
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