USA wins fifth straight FIBA World Cup title, beats France 97-79

The 2026 FIBA World Cup final ended with the United States beating France 97-79, giving the Americans a fifth straight title. Team USA maintained the international dominance that has defined it for years, adding another achievement to their Olympic and World Cup successes since 1996 — with the exception of the 2006 World Cup.

According to Bleacher Report, the American squad fielded a powerful roster with names like Breanna Stewart, Jackie Young, Chelsea Gray, Caitlin Clark, Paige Bueckers, Napheesa Collier and Angel Reese, while France reached the final after a strong run that included a 22-point win over Germany in the semifinals, with Gabby Williams among the leaders of the attack.

The game started in France’s favor, with Williams finding ways through the American defense, and France built a double-digit lead in the second quarter. But the Americans responded quickly: Stewart, Young and Gray regained control, while Caitlin Clark hit a three-pointer in the final seconds before the break to cut the deficit to just two points at halftime.

In the third quarter, the USA showed tight defense and balanced offense, outscoring France 30-12 in that quarter and building the lead needed to control the game. A buzzer-beating shot from Clark gave the Americans a 16-point lead before the fourth quarter, and with another early three-pointer in the final quarter, the game lost its drama contrary to the expectations from the first half.

The result reflected the depth and quality of the American roster, while France lacked the same star power to counter the U.S. team’s offense, and the gold medal stayed with the red, white and blue. Bleacher Report notes that this title further consolidates the United States’ supremacy in women’s basketball on the world stage.