US women's basketball beats France 97-79 to claim fifth straight World Cup

United States rallies past France

The United States women's basketball team won its fifth consecutive FIBA World Cup title on Sunday, defeating France 97-79 in Berlin. The victory represents the Americans' 12th gold medal at the tournament and extends their winning streak in World Cup play to 36 games, remaining undefeated in Olympic and World Cup play across a 20-year span. France held a 20-17 lead after the opening quarter and capitalized on perimeter shooting to launch a 21-2 scoring run, opening a 14-point advantage early in the second quarter. Gabby Williams led the French offense in the first half with 16 points before finishing the match with 20.

Stewart leads decisive second half

Breanna Stewart anchored the American offense, recording 22 points and 10 rebounds in the final. Stewart was named tournament MVP for the second time in her career, having averaged 12.8 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 2.8 assists per game while shooting 55.3% from the field across the competition. The victory gave Stewart her fourth World Cup gold medal, tying the record held by Sue Bird. United States head coach Kara Lawson noted Stewart's enduring influence on the program following the game.

“She is USA Basketball. When you think of the last 15 years, it's Stewie. We're just really lucky to be a part of her era.”

Stewart credited her approach to consistency across different game situations.

“I pride myself on being consistently great. That's showing up when it's the big moments, the small moments and all the moments in between. It's an unrealistic confidence I have in myself.”

Clark and bench provide spark

The United States reduced the deficit just before halftime when Caitlin Clark hit a three-pointer at the buzzer to bring the score to 45-43. The American squad controlled the third quarter by outscoring France 30-12, beginning with a game-tying layup from Stewart and a backdoor layup by Napheesa Collier. Jackie Young contributed 18 points, five rebounds, and five assists, connecting on four three-pointers. Five United States players reached double digits, with Chelsea Gray scoring 14 points, Kahleah Copper posting 13, and Clark adding 12 off the bench. Dominique Malonga finished as France's top scorer with 21 points and seven rebounds.

Breanna Stewart (USA)22

Dominique Malonga (FRA)21

Gabby Williams (FRA)20

Jackie Young (USA)18

Chelsea Gray (USA)14

Kahleah Copper (USA)13

Caitlin Clark (USA)12

Breanna Stewart (USA)

22 points

Dominique Malonga (FRA)

21 points

Gabby Williams (FRA)

20 points

Jackie Young (USA)

18 points

Chelsea Gray (USA)

14 points

Kahleah Copper (USA)

13 points

Caitlin Clark (USA)

12 points

Data from the article text

Tournament results and medal standings

France reached its first World Cup final after beating previous tournament opponents by an average margin of 35.6 points. The United States had navigated tighter contests during the tournament, including a three-point preliminary win over Italy and a semifinal against Spain that was tied at 58-58 in the fourth quarter. Clark praised Stewart's guidance during those earlier challenges.

“Stewie's been a tremendous leader through this whole process for us. Stewie's a winner. That's all she is. All she ever does is win. She's been in so many of these moments, and when you have somebody like that on your team, it's just a really comforting thing.”

In Sunday's bronze medal game, Spain defeated tournament hosts Germany 81-58 to complete the podium.