USA Win Fifth Straight Women’s Basketball World Cup Despite Close Calls

United States Defeats France for Fifth Straight World Cup Title

First-Half French Surge Tests Defending Champions

France entered the gold medal matchup boasting the competition’s best offense and talents like Gabby Williams. The French side controlled the floor during the opening half, constructing a devastating 16-0 run in the second quarter that put the defending champions on the defensive. That surge tested a United States roster that had previously triumphed over the same opponents at the Paris Olympic Games.

Second-Half Turnovers and Clinical U.S. Execution

The tactical turning point arrived in the second half when France struggled with turnovers. The American team capitalized on every French mistake with clinical efficiency. Breanna Stewart led the comeback effort and finished as the game’s top scorer with 22 points, while teammate Jackie Young contributed 18 points. Caitlin Clark also added crucial perimeter scoring, including a three-pointer at the buzzer ending the second quarter that shifted momentum back to the United States.

A Demanding Path Through Pool Play and Semifinals

Throughout the tournament, the American path to the gold medal proved more demanding than expected. The U.S. squad navigated several notable roster absences and endured tightly contested matches prior to the final. This included a narrow pool-play victory over Italy—where the Azzurre nearly pulled off an upset before falling 55-52—alongside a tense semifinal battle against Spain.

Spain Claims Bronze as Global Competition Narrows

In the bronze medal match, Spain defeated Germany 81-58 to claim third place on the podium. While the United States ultimately preserved their global dominance and extended their gold streak, the resilient performances from France, Spain, and Italy underscored an evolving landscape where the competitive gap between the U.S. and the rest of the world continues to narrow.