United States beats France 97-79 to win fifth consecutive Women's Basketball World Cup

Gold medal secured in Berlin

The United States women's basketball team captured its fifth consecutive World Cup gold medal on Sunday, defeating France 97-79 in the final at the Uber Arena in Berlin. After entering halftime behind 43-45, the American team took command of the game with a 30-12 run throughout the third quarter, creating a 73-57 advantage before closing out the contest. Head coach Kara Lawson guided the squad to an unblemished record of six wins in six matches across the competition. The victory marks the twelfth World Cup title for the United States program and extends their winning streak in official competitions to 75 games. The American team has now remained undefeated at the World Cup for 20 years, dating back to their last tournament loss against Russia in 2006.

Early French momentum and perimeter battles

The matchup marked the first global final between both nations since the 2024 Olympic final in Paris, where the United States won 67-66 after Gabby Williams stepped on the three-point line. France entered the contest in Berlin with strong statistical backing, having averaged 96.2 points per game during the tournament compared to 87.6 points for the United States, alongside higher shooting percentages from two-point and three-point range. Supported by vocal chants from supporters inside the Berlin arena, France responded to an early 15-10 American lead. Marine Johannes sparked the French offense with a fastbreak assist to Dominique Malonga followed by a signature step-back three-pointer. France then mounted a 16-0 run, building a 20-17 advantage and pushing the American roster into difficulty as Lawson rotated younger players Caitlin Clark and Paige Bueckers onto the floor.

Second-half defensive turn

Facing their third close contest of the tournament after defensive tests against Italy and Spain, the United States turned to experienced leaders to stabilize the court. In earlier tournament rounds, defensive pressure from Italy had held the Americans to 28 points at halftime, while Spain limited them to 39 points at the half. Against France, veteran contributions from Breanna Stewart and Chelsea Gray halted the French momentum before Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark made a three-pointer at the halftime buzzer to narrow the deficit to 43-45. Following the interval, the United States increased its physical pressure, moved the ball rapidly in transition, and utilized lineup combinations featuring Jackie Young and Aliyah Boston. Stewart and Williams traded scoring plays early in the second half, but the American defense held France to 12 points in the third quarter while scoring 30.

Individual scoring leaders and final standings

Breanna Stewart anchored the United States with a team-high 22 points and 10 rebounds, earning selection as the best player of the tournament. Dominique Malonga led the French scoring effort with 21 points and 6 rebounds, while Gabby Williams contributed 20 points and 7 assists. The final result confirmed the tournament podium in Berlin, awarding gold to the United States, silver to France, and bronze to Spain.