In a commanding performance at the FIBA Women’s World Cup final in Shanghai, the United States secured its fifth straight title, beating France 97-79. The victory not only continued a remarkable run of 36 consecutive World Cup wins dating back to the 2006 semifinals, but also underscored the depth and resilience of a squad that blended seasoned veterans with promising newcomers.
Key Moments and Player Highlights
After a competitive first half in which the U.S. trailed by as many as 14 points, the team rallied behind tournament MVP Breanna Stewart and rising star Jackie Young. A crucial three‑pointer from freshman Caitlin Clark just before halftime narrowed the gap to two points, setting the stage for a dominant second half.
Early in the third quarter, the United States unleashed an 11‑2 run to take a 54‑47 lead. Stewart, now a four‑time World Cup champion, contributed four points during that surge and finished the game with 22 points. Young added 18 points, while Clark’s timely three‑pointer helped swing momentum in the United States’ favor.
Veteran Leadership and New Talent
The roster featured a mix of experienced players and first‑time World Cup participants. Alongside Stewart and Young, the team welcomed newcomers such as Angel Reese, Paige Bueckers, and Clark, all of whom gained valuable experience on the international stage. Despite the youth infusion, it was the veterans who anchored the effort, delivering consistent scoring and defensive intensity.
France, playing its best tournament ever, fought valiantly. Dominique Malonga led the French side with 21 points, and Gabby Williams added 20. The French squad briefly closed the gap to 55‑51 before the United States responded with a decisive 16‑3 spurt, including two unsportsmanlike fouls called on France during a single play.
Historical Context
The United States entered the tournament as the defending champion, having won every World Cup since 2010. This latest triumph brings the team’s gold‑medal record to 9‑0, a streak that began after a second‑place finish in 1983. The Americans have also demonstrated dominance in the medal rounds, winning their last four games by an average margin of 26 points.
While the final score suggests a comfortable win, the path to the championship was not without challenges. A three‑point victory over Italy in pool play marked the closest a team had come to the United States in a group‑stage game in half a century. The semifinal against Spain, won by 10 points, was the tightest contest of the knockout phase.
Looking Ahead
With the Paris Olympic Games just two years away, the United States will look to build on this success. The blend of veteran leadership and emerging talent positions the team well for future international competition. For France, the silver medal represents the nation’s best finish in the tournament’s history and a sign of progress after a narrow loss to the United States in the 2024 Olympic gold‑medal game.
Overall, the final showcased the United States’ continued excellence in women’s basketball and highlighted the growing global competitiveness of the sport.
Original reporting: KSAT Sports (San Antonio) — read the source article.
