USA defeat France to win 12th FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup

The United States regained control in the second half of the Women’s Basketball World Cup final in Berlin, beating France 97-79 to secure a record-extending 12th tournament title. France started the game strongly and held a narrow two-point lead at the break, but the Americans dominated the third quarter and never looked back.

A 30-12 third-quarter advantage proved decisive as the USA flipped the momentum. Breanna Stewart led the charge with a game-high 22 points, while Jackie Young hit four three-pointers and finished with 18 points to help turn the contest in America’s favor. Caitlin Clark, who had managed just a single point in the semifinal, contributed 12 points in the final, including two late threes that helped seal the win.

France, playing in their first-ever World Cup final and seeking to avenge a one-point loss in the 2024 Olympic gold-medal game, started fast. Gabby Williams scored 16 points in the opening half but was limited to just four points after halftime as the Americans tightened their defense and tempo.

The title extends the USA’s unbeaten streak at the Women’s Basketball World Cup, a run that goes back to 2006 and now counts 36 consecutive tournament wins. Earlier on Sunday, Spain beat Germany 81-58 to take the bronze medal, giving consolation to the semifinal losers after the narrow defeat to the United States.