The U.S. women’s basketball team overcame a 14-point deficit to defeat France 97-79 in Berlin on September 13, winning its fifth consecutive Women’s Basketball World Cup title. Breanna Stewart led the comeback with 22 points, as the final highlighted veteran leadership, younger contributors and France’s strongest finish in tournament history.
Key Takeaways
- The U.S. secured its fifth consecutive World Cup championship and 12th overall.
- France led by 14 points before the Americans recovered.
- Breanna Stewart recorded 22 points and 10 rebounds and became the tournament’s first two-time MVP.
- Jackie Young contributed 18 points, six rebounds and five assists.
- France earned silver in its first Women’s World Cup final.
The U.S. women’s basketball team had to recover from an early double-digit deficit before securing another world championship. France’s strong start put the defending champions under pressure, but the Americans reversed the game’s direction and finished with an 18-point victory.
Stewart and Young supplied the leading performances in a final watched by 12,223 spectators at Berlin Arena. The result delivered the United States its 12th title overall and denied France a first championship.
U.S. Comeback Decides Women’s Basketball World Cup Final
France built a 14-point advantage early in the second quarter, creating a substantial challenge for the American team. The U.S. responded before halftime, with Caitlin Clark’s late three-pointer cutting France’s lead to 45-43.
The Americans scored 26 points in the second quarter and another 30 in the third, turning their early deficit into control of the game. Young finished with 18 points, six rebounds and five assists, providing support alongside Stewart.
The championship coincided with an expansion of women’s sports Sunday programming across ESPN platforms. The fall schedule includes WNBA postseason coverage and women’s college basketball alongside other competitions.
Breanna Stewart Becomes the First Two-Time Tournament MVP
Breanna Stewart finished the final with 22 points and 10 rebounds. Her tournament MVP selection made her the first player to receive the award twice, following her previous honor in 2018.
Across the tournament, Stewart averaged 12.8 points, 7.3 rebounds and 2.8 assists. Young joined her on the All-Star Five, alongside France’s Gabby Williams, Spain’s Iyana Martin and Germany’s Leonie Fiebich.
“I think that we were ready. We were ready for that challenge. We were locked in,” Stewart said after receiving the award.
Clark and Reese Add Younger Talent to the Championship Roster
Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese were teammates on the U.S. championship roster. Their participation brought two prominent younger players into a group led by experienced international competitors, including Stewart.
Clark’s three-pointer before halftime gave her a direct role in the final’s turnaround. Afterward, she credited Stewart’s leadership during the tournament, including her response to the team’s close game against Italy.
At the community level, sports opportunities for girls are also receiving funding. Gainbridge, Parity and the Women’s Sports Foundation awarded $250,000 to 32 organizations in 2026, supporting programs that include basketball, equipment access and youth development.
France Earns Its Best World Cup Finish
France’s silver medal marked its highest finish in the competition and its first appearance in a Women’s World Cup final. Williams earned a place on the All-Star Five after helping lead the French campaign.
Spain completed the podium with an 81-58 victory over Germany in the bronze-medal game. Germany finished fourth, its best result in the tournament.
The 2026 Women’s Basketball World Cup ended with the U.S. championship streak intact. The decisive passage came between France’s early 14-point lead and the American third-quarter surge, with Stewart and Young central to the recovery.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who won the 2026 Women’s Basketball World Cup?
The United States won the 2026 Women’s Basketball World Cup, defeating France 97-79 in Berlin on September 13. The victory secured its fifth consecutive championship.
How did the U.S. recover against France?
The U.S. trailed by 14 points early in the second quarter. Clark’s late three-pointer reduced the halftime deficit to two points, and the Americans scored 30 points in the third quarter to take control.
Who earned tournament MVP honors?
Breanna Stewart earned the award after recording 22 points and 10 rebounds in the final. She became the competition’s first two-time MVP, having also won in 2018.
Was this France’s first World Cup final?
Yes, France reached the Women’s World Cup final for the first time. Its silver medal represented the country’s best finish in the competition.
