US rally past France for World Cup crown, Spain take bronze

The United States overturned a 14-point deficit to beat France 97-79 in the FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup final at Berlin Arena on Sunday, claiming a fifth consecutive title and its 12th overall, while Spain secured bronze.

Gold medalists of the United States celebrate at the awarding ceremony after the final match between the United States and France at the FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup 2026 in Berlin, Germany, Sept. 13, 2026. (Xinhua/Zhang Haofu)

France set the pace early and still led 45-43 at halftime after the United States had trailed by as many as 14 points in the first half.

Team USA shifted the contest decisively after the break, outscoring France 30-12 in the third quarter to turn a two-point halftime deficit into a 73-57 lead. The Americans later stretched their advantage to 27 points before closing out the victory and extending their World Cup winning streak to 36 games.

Breanna Stewart finished with 22 points and 10 rebounds for an efficiency rating of 30, while Jackie Young added 18 points, six rebounds and five assists. Kahleah Copper contributed 15 points, with Chelsea Gray and Caitlin Clark adding 12 apiece. Dominique Malonga led France with 21 points, while Gabby Williams scored 20.

Earlier in Berlin, Spain secured the bronze medal with an 81-58 victory over host Germany, claiming its fourth World Cup medal in five editions.

Spain opened a 25-15 lead in the first quarter before Germany fought back to trail only 40-36 at halftime. Leonie Fiebich's three-pointer cut the gap to 40-39 after the restart, but Spain responded with a 15-0 run to take command at 55-39.

Iyana Martin was named player of the game after recording 22 points, nine assists and four rebounds on 8-of-15 shooting. Raquel Carrera added 15 points and five rebounds, while Awa Fam contributed 10 points and nine rebounds. Nyara Sabally and Alexis Peterson led Germany with 13 points apiece. Spain captain Alba Torrens became only the third player in history to win four World Cup medals.

"I think all of that we passed all tournaments; we lost one game, we were competitive all the rest of the games," said Carrera. "I think we improved during all the tournament. We have amazing players."