The U.S. women’s national basketball team won their fifth consecutive International Basketball Federation Women’s Basketball World Cup title on Sept. 13, defeating France 97-79.
The final was historic for both teams, a rematch of the Paris 2024 Olympics. France reached the World Cup championship game for the first time, while the U.S. looked to extend its winning streak.
France came out aggressively, putting pressure on the defending champions.
After the U.S. took an early lead, France responded with a 21-2 run that gave them a 14-point advantage, 31-17, at the start of the second quarter.
Dominique Malonga and Gabby Williams led the French offense and helped maintain the lead as the U.S. struggled to find a rhythm. With stars such as A’ja Wilson and Kelsey Plum sidelined due to injuries, the U.S. entered the tournament with more than half of its roster competing in their first major five-on-five international competition, including Rhyne Howard and Caitlin Clark.
However, the Americans began to cut the deficit before halftime. Clark sparked the comeback with a three-pointer, with one second left in the second quarter, bringing the U.S. within two points, 45-43.
“Our group, our starters especially, when we got down big, we didn’t crumble under pressure,” Breanna Stewart said. “[France’s] run wasn’t going to dictate how we were going to play the rest of the game.”
Coming out of halftime, the U.S. increased its defense and began knocking down shots from around the court.
The U.S. outscored France 30-12 in the third quarter, giving the Americans a 16-point lead, 73-57, heading into the fourth quarter.
The U.S. continued to control the game in the final quarter. France struggled to match the Americans’ offensive production as the U.S. built on its lead, resulting in a 97-79 victory.
Stewart, the tournament’s MVP, led the U.S. with 22 points, 10 rebounds and four assists.
“She is USA Basketball,” Kara Lawson, the coach of Team USA, said. “When you think of the last 15 years, it’s Stewie, and we’re just really lucky to be a part of her era of this group.”
Jackie Young followed close behind with 18 points, six rebounds and five assists.
Kahleah Copper put up 15 points, while Chelsea Gray added 12 points, five assists and four rebounds.
“We have to give France a lot of credit,” Clark said. “They play with a lot of grit. They play with a lot of passion. They’re aggressive. But I think we showed what wearing a USA jersey is all about. It’s about dominating, and that’s exactly what we did.”
For France, Malonga delivered 21 points and six rebounds, while Williams added 20 points.
“I just told my teammates not to put their heads down tonight,” Williams said. “We have a lot to be proud of, but I think we’re gonna remember how this feels.”
Despite controlling the first half, France could not withstand the U.S. after halftime.
The Americans secured another gold medal, while France earned silver in its first appearance in a World Cup final.
