Golden Again: Team USA Overcomes France to Win FIBA Women's World Cup
The United States defeated France 97–79 in Berlin to capture their fifth consecutive World Cup championship — but the final score doesn't tell the whole story.
Team USA once again stands at the top of international women's basketball.
The United States defeated France 97–79 in Berlin to capture the 2026 FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup gold medal. The victory gave Team USA its fifth consecutive World Cup championship and 12th overall — but the final score does not fully reflect how seriously France challenged the Americans.
France used a 21–2 run to build a 14-point advantage during the first half. Team USA entered halftime trailing 45–43, forcing the team to respond with greater defensive intensity and composure.
That response came during a dominant third quarter.
The United States outscored France 30–12 in the period, using its defense to disrupt France's rhythm while veterans Breanna Stewart, Jackie Young, Chelsea Gray and Kahleah Copper steadied the offense. The Americans turned a halftime deficit into a commanding advantage that France could not overcome.
Stewart delivered the performance expected from Team USA's captain, finishing with 22 points, 10 rebounds and four assists. She was named the tournament's Most Valuable Player for the second time, becoming the first woman to win the FIBA World Cup MVP award twice.
Jackie Young was one of Team USA's most dependable players throughout the tournament. She scored 18 points in the championship game while adding six rebounds and five assists, earning Player of the Game honors. Young scored in double figures in every game of the World Cup and was selected to the tournament's All-Star Five.
While Stewart was the official tournament MVP, Young earned We Ballin Too's MVP recognition because of her consistency, reliability and ability to contribute whenever Team USA needed her.
"Young scored in double figures in every game of the World Cup. That's not a ball hog — that's a winner."
The conversation surrounding Young also became one of the most debated parts of the tournament. Some fans accused her of being a "ball hog," while others claimed certain players were intentionally refusing to pass to Caitlin Clark. Those narratives often overshadowed the basketball itself. Young was not simply taking shots — she was producing efficiently, defending and helping Team USA win.
Chelsea Gray again demonstrated why she is trusted in pressure situations. Her control, experience and ability to organize the offense became especially important when France had the United States on its heels.
Angel Reese's impact also extended beyond the box score. Her physicality, rebounding effort and defensive presence gave Team USA energy inside. We Ballin Too had discussed Reese's defensive value since early July, and the World Cup provided another opportunity to see how her effort can affect possessions without requiring the offense to run through her.
France deserves credit for reaching its first World Cup final and making the United States uncomfortable. Dominique Malonga scored 21 points, while Gabby Williams added 20, but Team USA's depth, defense and veteran leadership ultimately decided the championship.
The gold medal belonged to the entire team — but Stewart's greatness, Young's consistency, Gray's composure and Reese's defensive presence each helped bring it home.
Five straight. Twelve total. The standard is the standard.
Sources