Team USA asserted their international basketball dominance once again, overcoming an early 14-point deficit to defeat France 97–79 in Berlin and capture their fifth consecutive FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup Gold.
The French national team came out firing in the gold medal game, capitalizing on a hot shooting start to take a commanding 31–17 lead early in the second quarter. However, the Americans quickly found their rhythm. Behind a buzzer-beating three-pointer from Caitlin Clark before halftime, Team USA cut the deficit to 45–43. The second half belonged entirely to the U.S., as they unleashed a 30–12 surge in the third quarter to pull away permanently.
Caitlin Clark calls the half with a big three 🚨#FIBAWWC pic.twitter.com/vNZQtraVUl
— FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup (@FIBAWWC) September 13, 2026
The game’s top performer was Team USA captain Breanna Stewart. Delivering a stellar double-double performance, Stewart dominated the court with a game-high 22 points and 10 rebounds. Her elite leadership and clutch scoring sparked the U.S. comeback, earning her tournament MVP honors for the second time in her decorated career. Jackie Young provided vital secondary scoring with 18 points, while Dominique Malonga led France with 21 points in their silver-medal effort.
Captain Stewie is the TISSOT MVP of FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup ⭐️ pic.twitter.com/uqOAzwIv4P
— FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup (@FIBAWWC) September 13, 2026
Team USA will have four days to rest before players return to their respective teams to finish the remaining WNBA regular season games on September 18.
