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

United States claim twelfth world title in Berlin

The United States women's basketball team defeated France 97-79 on Sunday, 13 September 2026, to win the Women's Basketball World Cup final at the Uber Arena in Berlin, Germany. The result secured Team USA their twelfth world title and their fifth consecutive gold in the competition. The victory also extended an American unbeaten run in global tournaments, spanning both the World Cup and the Olympic Games, that has continued uninterrupted since a semi-final defeat in 2006. In head-to-head fixtures, the outcome continued a 55-year American winning streak over France in official matches, dating back to France's last competitive win against the United States in 1971.

France build first-half lead behind Williams and Malonga

France started the final with high offensive tempo, taking a 20-17 lead at the end of the first quarter. That opening frame marked the first time throughout the entire tournament that the United States conceded 20 points in a single quarter. Dominique Malonga and French captain Gabby Williams directed the offense, with Williams converting from three-point range and making her free throws. Caitlin Clark missed several perimeter shots in the first half as France widened their advantage during the second quarter. Key offensive plays from American guards Chelsea Gray and Jackie Young prevented France from breaking away, allowing the United States to reduce the deficit to two points at halftime (43-45). Clark later noted that the American squad stayed calm and confident in what they had to do despite trailing for most of the opening half.

Second-half turnaround under Kara Lawson

United States head coach Kara Lawson delivered tactical adjustments in the locker room, initiating a decisive turnaround immediately after the break. The American players equalized shortly after the third quarter began and opened a comfortable lead as Clark found her shooting rhythm from the floor. France faced offensive difficulties inside the opponent paint and could not maintain pace with the scoring run of the United States. The 97-79 defeat ended France's campaign in their first World Cup final, repeating the outcome of the 2024 Paris Olympic Games final where France fell to the United States by a single point in a 67-66 finish.

Silver finish for France as Spain capture bronze

The silver medal marks the highest tournament result in French basketball history at the World Cup, arriving 73 years after the national team claimed bronze in 1953. Following the final whistle, French captain Gabby Williams stated that the squad must not lower their heads after the defeat, while French head coach Jean-Aimé Toupane noted that the players still needed to gain experience at this level. In the third-place match held earlier on Sunday at the Uber Arena, Spain captured the bronze medal by defeating hosts Germany 81-58. The Spanish squad took the podium spot 18 hours after their 76-66 semi-final loss to the United States, adding to silver medals at EuroBasket in 2023 and 2025, while Germany ended their first tournament semi-final appearance without a medal.