USA Women Take Fifth Straight Basketball World Cup

The United States women's national basketball team claimed a fifth consecutive FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup title in Berlin, defeating France 97–79 in the gold-medal game on 13 September 2026.

A 14-point hole, then a clamp

The final at Berlin Arena began awkwardly for the four-time defending champions. France opened an early 14-point lead in the first half, pressing the Americans with speed and physicality. The deficit tested a squad that had not lost a World Cup match in 20 years.

The American response came through defensive pressure. Breanna Stewart anchored the turnaround, finishing with 22 points. Jackie Young added 18 as the United States choked off the French attack after the break.

France's Marine Johannes found herself hounded by Stewart on the perimeter, a matchup that steadied the American structure. The momentum shifted decisively, and the lead swelled to 18 by the final buzzer.

Five straight, twelve overall

The victory extended the United States' World Cup win streak to 36 games, a run stretching back to a 2006 semifinal loss to Russia. This is the programme's 12th world title overall, the fifth in an unbroken chain that began in 2010.

China, whom the Americans defeated 83–61 in the 2022 Sydney final, finished outside the medal positions. Spain claimed bronze, while hosts Germany placed fourth. A tournament total of 234,004 spectators attended the 36 games across Berlin Arena and Max-Schmeling-Halle.

The second-half surge in Berlin confirmed the defining trait of this American era: an ability to absorb an opponent's sharpest blow and respond with a closing run that leaves no doubt.