A slow start threatened the United States' defence of their world title, but the reigning champions mounted a decisive comeback to beat France 97-79 on Sunday and claim the FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup.
France built a 14-point lead in the first half and forced an early scramble for the Americans, but U.S. adjustments and timely scoring swung momentum back in their favour. The victory came in a rematch of the 2024 Olympic final, where the U.S. also prevailed.
Breanna Stewart was a key contributor, finishing with 22 points, and Caitlin Clark supplied 12. Their contributions underpinned the American turnaround as the team erased the early deficit and pulled away in the second half.
The win gives the United States a fifth consecutive World Cup title and extends an unbeaten run at Olympic Games and World Cups to 20 years, underscoring the country's sustained dominance on the highest stages of women’s international basketball.
The result reinforces the U.S. team's status at the top of the sport and continues a long period of success for American women's basketball at global tournaments.