Williams Sinks Winner, Named MVP as USA Takes 3x3 Title

Thirty-one seconds remained when Mikaylah Williams made her move. Australia had just taken the lead. Milaysia Fulwiley's shot had missed, then been chased down and returned. Williams shook free, rose, and released from beyond the arc. The two-pointer dropped for the twenty-first point, and the FIBA 3x3 World Cup 2026 was decided.

The final

In Warsaw, the United States defeated Australia 21-20 in the gold medal game, and Williams hit the winning shot. It had not been a comfortable evening. The Americans had led 17-12 before Australia rallied and edged ahead 20-19 on a two-pointer with 52 seconds left. Fulwiley then missed a two-pointer with 47 seconds on the clock, chased down the rebound, and fed Williams, who found space and scored. Fulwiley finished with nine points, the team's highest total in the final.

The result completed an unbeaten campaign. The United States went 7-0, including four wins in pool play. The team of Williams, Fulwiley, South Carolina's Joyce Edwards and Oklahoma's Sahara Williams claimed the fourth American women's gold in the competition's history, having survived a 19-18 overtime semifinal against Azerbaijan. That match too had turned on Williams. She hit the game-winning shots in both the semifinal and the final, while Sahara Williams scored in overtime to nudge the United States ahead of Azerbaijan.

The step in the story

The individual honour followed. Williams was named Most Valuable Player after leading the United States to the title, having scored across the tournament and played a central role in the championship run. She was named MVP, went unbeaten with the team, and finished with 46 points over the week. Team USA had arrived in Warsaw on a strong run, having won back-to-back Women's Series events in Chengdu and Manila for the first time in the team's history.

The award places her in company. Williams finished first in player value per game at 8.3, joining Cameron Brink, the 2023 winner, as the only United States women to take the MVP. She had helped the side recapture gold after falling short the previous year, describing the moment plainly.

"I'm blessed to be on this stage, to play with some amazing teammates, to play for some amazing coaches and to rep USA," she told reporters after the game.

The recognition extended beyond her own line. Williams was named to the Team of the Tournament alongside Australia's Amy Atwell, the event's top scorer with 49 points, and the Netherlands' Noortje Driessen. For a guard still building her senior record, Warsaw reads as a marker rather than a summit.

Thirty-one seconds. One shot. Another gold to a growing collection.