The United States women’s basketball team added another chapter to its historic dominance by winning a fifth straight FIBA World Cup on Sunday. In a 97‑79 victory over France, the Americans secured the championship and reinforced their status as the global standard in the sport.
Game recap and key performances
France entered the final with a 14‑point lead early in the first half, the largest deficit the U.S. had faced since a 2006 semifinal loss to Russia. The Americans remained composed, narrowing the gap before halftime and taking control in the third quarter. Veteran forward Breanna Stewart led the way with 22 points, earning her second World Cup MVP award – a first in tournament history. At 32, Stewart now boasts four World Cup titles.
Rising star Caitlin Clark contributed 12 points, including a crucial three‑pointer just before the halftime buzzer that helped the U.S. rally. Clark praised the team’s poise, saying, “We weren’t rattled at all. We dug ourselves a hole, but we climbed out of it.”
Team composition and future outlook
The roster featured a blend of seasoned veterans and promising newcomers. While four‑time MVP A’ja Wilson was absent, the squad relied on fresh talent such as Clark, Angel Reese and Paige Bueckers, all of whom gained valuable experience that will be vital for the next decade of competition.
Head coach Kara Lawson, in her second year leading the team, highlighted the importance of continuity and preparation. The squad assembled only a few days before the tournament, a factor Lawson noted as a training challenge that will improve with more time ahead of the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
International competition and upcoming challenges
France, the silver‑medalists, posted a strong showing throughout the World Cup, averaging a 35.6‑point margin of victory and entering the final with momentum from a narrow Olympic gold‑medal loss to the U.S. two years earlier. Their core, featuring Gabby Williams, Marine Johannes and Dominique Malonga, will remain a formidable opponent on the world stage.
Spain captured bronze, showcasing a youthful roster led by 20‑year‑olds Iyana Martin and Awa Fam. Both teams signal rising competition as the United States prepares to defend its legacy.
Looking ahead to 2028
With Stewart and Wilson expected to anchor the lineup, the U.S. appears poised to continue its winning streak at the 2028 Games on home soil. The team’s unbeaten Olympic record over the past 34 years underscores the confidence of fans and officials alike.
FIBA announced schedule adjustments for future tournaments, moving the next World Cup to late November and early December in Japan. The new format will provide teams with additional rest days between group play and knockout rounds, allowing the Americans more preparation time after the WNBA season.
Overall, the victory reaffirms the United States women’s basketball program as the benchmark for excellence, setting a high bar for rivals worldwide.
Original reporting: KCCI Des Moines — read the source article.
