Breanna Stewart Leads Team USA's Incredible Rally as Americans Crush France 97–79 to Retain Women's World Cup

Breanna Stewart delivered when Team USA needed her most, pouring in 22 points and a double-double as the Americans erased a 14-point deficit to crush France 97-79 in Berlin and secure a fifth consecutive FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup crown.

The victory extended the United States' World Cup winning streak to 36 games and sealed their record-extending 12th championship. The Americans have now gone unbeaten at the tournament since their semi-final defeat by Russia in 2006.

France Shock USA With Fast Start

The final appeared to be heading towards one of the biggest upsets in the competition's history when France seized control early. Playing in their first-ever World Cup final, the French side raced into a 31-17 advantage after opening the second quarter with 11 unanswered points.

Gabby Williams was particularly influential, helping France build its biggest lead of the tournament against the usually dominant Americans. USA, however, refused to panic.

Stewart began to steady the team while Jackie Young provided crucial scoring support. Caitlin Clark then buried a three-pointer just before half-time to reduce France's lead to 45-43 and give the Americans renewed momentum.

Stewart Leads Stunning Second-Half Comeback

The turning point arrived immediately after the interval. USA opened the third quarter with an 11-2 run to move ahead 54-47, with Stewart scoring four points during the decisive burst. France briefly threatened to respond, cutting the deficit to four, but the Americans soon produced another powerful surge.

A 16-3 run effectively broke the contest open, with France also receiving two unsportsmanlike foul calls on the same sequence.

USA ended the third quarter leading 73-57 after outscoring France 30-12 in the period. Stewart finished with 22 points and 10 rebounds, while Young added 18 points and five assists.

Kahleah Copper contributed 15 points, and Clark finished with 12 points and four assists as the Americans' depth eventually overwhelmed their opponents.

France Fall Short After Historic Run

Despite the defeat, France produced the best World Cup finish in their history by reaching their first final. Their run also carried an extra layer of significance after the French narrowly lost to USA in the 2024 Paris Olympic final, falling 67-66.

This time, they again pushed the Americans hard in the opening half but were unable to maintain their intensity after the break.

Dominique Malonga led France with 21 points, while Williams finished with 20. Williams had scored 16 points in the first half but was held to just four after the interval as USA tightened their defence.

USA Extend Era of Dominance

The triumph caps another chapter in American women's basketball. The 2026 squad was one of the youngest USA teams ever sent to a World Cup, featuring newcomers including Clark, Angel Reese and Paige Bueckers alongside established veterans such as Stewart.

Yet despite facing closer challenges than usual throughout the tournament, the Americans found a way to win when it mattered most. Stewart was subsequently named tournament MVP, adding another major international honour to her career.

Her performance in the final ensured that France's early dominance became little more than a footnote as USA once again finished the World Cup on top. Spain defeated hosts Germany 81-58 to claim the bronze medal, while France left Berlin with silver and a first appearance in the World Cup final.