BERLIN – In a display of poise that underscored their enduring global dominance, the U.S. women’s basketball team overcame a double-digit first-half deficit on Sunday to defeat France 97-79, securing their fifth consecutive FIBA Women’s World Cup title and their 12th overall.
Despite trailing 45-43 at halftime, the Americans surged in the third quarter, outscoring France 30-12 in a decisive 10-minute masterclass. The victory marks a significant milestone for a U.S. squad that entered the tournament missing key veterans like A’ja Wilson and Kelsey Plum. In their absence, a new generation stepped into the spotlight, with seven of the 12 roster members competing in their first major 5-on-5 international tournament, including recent WNBA standouts Caitlin Clark, Aliyah Boston, Paige Bueckers, and Rhyne Howard.
“Even when we were down 14, we weren’t rattled,” Breanna Stewart said following the game.
Stewart, who finished the tournament as the MVP after recording 22 points, 10 rebounds, and four assists in the final, provided the steady veteran presence necessary to anchor the younger core. Jackie Young, named player of the game, was instrumental in the turnaround, tallying 18 points, six rebounds, and five assists without a single turnover.
France, which had dominated the competition leading up to the final with an average margin of victory of 35.6 points, appeared poised to claim its first-ever World Cup gold. Gabby Williams led the French charge early, dropping 16 points in the first half to stifle the U.S. defense. However, the American defensive intensity shifted dramatically after the break. Under the guidance of coach Kara Lawson and assistant Natalie Nakase, the U.S. successfully neutralized the French perimeter game, holding the opposition to just 3-of-10 shooting from beyond the arc in the second half.
“Everything the Americans did in the third quarter defensively was sharper, quicker, and more focused,” said senior writer Michael Voepel. “Forcing France into missed shots and turnovers fueled the offense.”
The win reinforces the United States’ historic standing in international play. The Americans have not lost a game in major international competition since 2006, and their narrow escape on Sunday further validated the strength of the U.S. basketball pipeline. While France leaves with a hard-earned silver medal—building on their momentum from a tight loss in the 2024 Olympic final—the U.S. program continues to reload.
With eyes already turning toward the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, the blend of veteran leadership from players like Stewart and Young, paired with the rapid development of stars like Clark and Reese, suggests that the U.S. dynasty is far from over. As the WNBA stars now return to their respective clubs for the final stretch of the season, the gold medal remains safely in American hands.
Disclaimer: This content is auto-generated for informational purposes only.
Source: Read Original News
