Team USA Secures Fifth Consecutive FIBA World Cup Title After Comeback Win Over France
The U.S. women's basketball team clinched their fifth straight FIBA World Cup title, overcoming a 14-point deficit to defeat France 97-79 in the final.
POLICY WIRE — Washington, USA — The United States women’s basketball team captured its fifth straight FIBA World Cup title, overcoming a daunting 14-point first-half deficit to defeat France 97-79.
This victory extends the American winning streak to 36 consecutive World Cup games, a run that began following a semifinal loss to Russia in 2006. The U.S. remains undefeated in gold-medal games since their 1983 loss to the Soviet Union, maintaining a perfect 9-0 record in that span.
The championship match proved challenging, as the Americans faced their largest tournament deficit early on. A late first-half rally, fueled by Breanna Stewart and Jackie Young, narrowed the gap before Caitlin Clark connected on a buzzer-beating 3-pointer to bring the U.S. within two points at halftime.
Momentum shifted decisively in the third quarter when the U.S. opened with an 11-2 run to seize a 54-47 lead. Tournament MVP Breanna Stewart, who secured her fourth World Cup title, contributed four points during this pivotal stretch and finished the game with 22 points, while teammate Jackie Young added 18.
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The Americans pulled away further with a 16-3 spurt, aided by two unsportsmanlike fouls called against France on a single play. Entering the final frame with a 73-57 advantage, the U.S. maintained control to secure the win despite a strong performance from France, led by Dominique Malonga with 21 points and Gabby Williams with 20.
While the roster featured several newcomers like Clark, Angel Reese, and Paige Bueckers, the veteran core proved essential in navigating a tournament where the U.S. appeared more vulnerable than in previous years. Earlier close contests, including a three-point win over Italy and a 10-point semifinal victory against Spain, highlighted the competitive nature of this year’s field.
For France, the silver medal represents their best finish in the event, though it follows the sting of a one-point loss to the U.S. in the 2024 Paris Olympic gold-medal game. Elsewhere in the tournament, Spain defeated host nation Germany to claim the bronze medal.
Reporting by Policy-Wire (PW)
