Team USA's dynasty continued on Sunday with a 97-79 win over France in the final of the 2026 FIBA Women's World Cup. This was Team USA's fifth consecutive World Cup title, equaling the Soviet Union (1959-75) for the longest streak ever, and their 12th overall. 

Team USA has now won 36 consecutive games at the World Cup, and 72 games in a row at major international tournaments. The Americans' last defeat came in the semifinals of the 2006 World Cup against Russia. They took home the bronze that year, which is the last time they have failed to win gold at either the World Cup or Olympics. 

Breanna Stewart was named MVP of the tournament after putting up 22 points, 10 rebounds and four assists on 7 of 10 from the field. She moved past Cheryl Miller for fifth place on Team USA's all-time World Cup scoring list and joined Sue Bird as the only Americans -- men or women -- with four World Cup gold medals. 

After a dominant run to the final, France had to settle for a silver medal. While this was the French's best ever finish at the World Cup, another runner-up finish to Team USA will surely be frustrating. Two summers ago, France lost by just a single point to Team USA at the 2024 Olympics in Paris. 

Early on Sunday afternoon, it seemed as though France might finally get the better of Team USA. France took a late lead in the first quarter and pushed their advantage to as many as 14 in the second. Gabby Williams was getting downhill at will, and the French were knocking down 3-pointer after 3-pointer. 

But the Americans turned up the defense late in the second quarter and closed the half on an extended 16-9 run that was capped by a Caitlin Clark 3-pointer just before the buzzer to make it a two-point game. Team USA picked up right where they left off after the break and used a 12-4 run to go in front for good. By the end of the third, Team USA was up by 16, and the fourth quarter was effectively garbage time. 

Jackie Young added 18 points, six rebounds and five assists to conclude a terrific showing in Berlin, while Chelsea Gray and Kahleah Copper stepped up to deliver their best performances of the tournament by far. Copper had 15 points, while Gray put up 12 points, four rebounds and five assists. Clark added 12 points and three assists off the bench. 

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