Team USA Completes a Five-Peat at the Women’s Basketball World Cup
Team USA’s road to another world championship included dominant victories, a close call against Italy and a championship game that demanded a comeback. Through every challenge, the Americans found a way to keep their title defense alive.
At the 2026 FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup in Berlin, the United States finished undefeated and claimed its fifth consecutive championship with a 97–79 victory over France. The final provided a fitting finish to a tournament that tested both the team’s depth and its ability to respond under pressure.
A strong start—and an early scare
The Americans opened September 4 with a 94–61 victory over China. Caitlin Clark made her World Cup debut with 14 points and 11 assists, while Rhyne Howard also scored 14 and Jackie Young added 12. Against China’s towering frontcourt, Team USA used its pace and depth to establish an early statement.
Italy offered a very different test two days later. The Americans missed their first 10 three-point attempts and struggled to find their usual offensive rhythm. Italy took a 50–49 lead with just over three minutes remaining, putting the defending champions in danger of an upset.
Team USA relied on its experience to escape with a 55–52 win. Young led the Americans with 10 points, while Italy’s Cecilia Zandalasini scored a game-high 14. Zandalasini had a chance to tie the game with a late three-pointer, but her shot fell short.
The Americans answered that narrow victory with a 105–64 win over Czechia to complete group play at 3–0. Breanna Stewart recorded 19 points, seven rebounds and six assists in just 17 minutes. Six U.S. players scored in double figures, showing how many options the team had when its offense clicked.
Depth carries the Americans into the final
Hungary could not slow Team USA in the September 10 quarterfinal. The Americans built a 36–12 first-quarter lead and cruised to a 108–56 victory. Napheesa Collier led the team with 19 points and six rebounds, while Clark contributed 10 points and nine assists. The United States finished with 31 assists, reflecting the ball movement behind its balanced attack.
Spain pushed the Americans much harder in the semifinal. With the score tied 58–58 entering the fourth quarter, Team USA had to earn its place in the championship game. The Americans outscored Spain 18–8 over the final 10 minutes to secure a 76–66 victory.
Stewart finished with 16 points and six rebounds, Kahleah Copper scored 13, and Young added 12 points, five rebounds and four assists. Another strong closing stretch sent the United States into the final against France.
France forces a championship comeback
France gave Team USA its biggest challenge September 13, building a 14-point first-half lead. With the Americans trailing 31–17 early in the second quarter, another gold medal was far from guaranteed.
The United States worked its way back before halftime, then changed the game with a 30–12 third quarter. Stronger defense and a more fluid offense erased the deficit and gave the Americans control. France continued to compete, but Team USA finished the comeback with a 97–79 victory.
Stewart led the way with 22 points and 10 rebounds, while Young added 18 points, six rebounds and five assists. Stewart also earned the tournament’s Most Valuable Player award.
Another chapter in Team USA’s history
The championship completed a perfect 6–0 tournament and gave the United States its 12th Women’s Basketball World Cup title overall.
The Americans showed they could win in different ways: through a balanced attack against China, a determined finish against Italy, decisive victories over Czechia and Hungary, and a strong fourth quarter against Spain. In the final, they proved they could recover when the game appeared to be slipping away.
Five straight championships tell the story of sustained success. The comeback against France showed what it took to keep that run going.