The France women’s national basketball team is set to face the United States in the final of the 2026 FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup this Sunday, September 13, 2026, at 8:00 p.m. local time in Berlin, Germany, as reported by outlets including franceinfo. The matchup serves as a direct rematch of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games final, where the American side narrowly captured the gold medal by a single point, 67–66.
A Historic World Cup Final for Les Bleues
For the French women’s basketball program, this fixture marks the first World Cup final appearance in the nation’s history. Head coach Jean-Aimé Toupane’s squad advanced to the championship game following a highly controlled run through both the group stage and the knockout rounds in Berlin. In pool play, France earned victories over Hungary, South Korea, and Nigeria, establishing a commanding average scoring margin before defeating China and Germany in the knockout bracket.
Reporting from French media outlets highlights that nine of the twelve players who competed in the 2024 Olympic final remain on the roster, providing the team with deep continuity, established chemistry, and valuable tournament maturity. Analysts and former internationals cited by franceinfo note that the squad has displayed notable improvements in three-point shooting efficiency alongside a defensive scheme capable of disrupting opponents.
The Challenge Posed by the United States
Standing in the way of a historic French gold medal are the United States, who enter Sunday’s contest as the four-time defending World Cup champions, holders of eight straight Olympic gold medals, and an undefeated streak in major international competitions spanning 20 years. Despite the formidable pedigree of the American program, the French roster approaches the floor with confidence rooted in familiarity.
“On n’aura rien à perdre. On sait que les Etats-Unis sont une bonne équipe, ça fait des années qu’ils gagnent la Coupe du monde. Mais on affronte ses joueuses toute l’année en WNBA. Ce sera qu’un match, on n’a rien à perdre, on va jouer dur”, Marine Johannès, who plays in the WNBA for the New York Liberty, said ahead of the tip-off.
Teammate Carla Leite, representing the Portland Fire, echoed that sentiment: “On est la majorité à les avoir affrontées en WNBA donc on n’a pas peur d’elles.”
Key Players Driving the French Campaign
Led by team captain Gabby Williams—who serves as the offensive engine of the tournament run—the French lineup features a balanced mix of seasoned professionals and dynamic young talents capable of swinging momentum quickly. Alongside Williams and Johannès, rising talents such as Dominique Malonga have anchored the interior while keeping opposing defenses off balance.
“Si on joue le basket qui nous a amené ici, ça peut marcher”, Malonga said of the upcoming clash.
The tactical battle will likely turn on France’s ability to maintain perimeter shooting consistency while containing the depth and physical intensity of the American roster. The coaching staff’s hybrid approach allows the team to push the pace in transition or grind through interior sets, making them one of the most versatile groups in the tournament.
Broadcast and Viewing Information
Sunday’s final is scheduled for 8:00 p.m. local Berlin time and will be broadcast live and in full on TMC and beIN Sports 1 for viewers in France, with streaming options available via platforms such as Canal+.
Related reading
