Team USA captured its 12th FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup championship—and fifth consecutive title—with a 97-79 victory over France on September 13, 2026, at Berlin Arena. The Americans overcame an early deficit to extend their long-running dominance in the competition.
France led by as many as 14 points in the first half and held a slim edge at intermission. The U.S. responded with a decisive 30-12 third quarter, seizing control and never looking back. Breanna Stewart led the way with 22 points and 10 rebounds, earning tournament MVP honors for the second time. Jackie Young added 18 points, while Chelsea Gray and Young each recorded five assists.
Caitlin Clark, making her senior World Cup debut for the United States, contributed 12 points in 13 minutes off the bench in the final. She shot efficiently (4-of-5 from the field, including two threes) and added three assists. Across the tournament she averaged 7.8 points and a team-high 5.3 assists in limited minutes, showing flashes of her playmaking ability after a mixed individual showing that included quieter nights.
The win capped an undefeated run for the Americans, who have not lost a World Cup game since 2006. France earned its highest-ever finish with silver in its first final appearance. Spain took bronze.
After the final buzzer, Clark joined her teammates in celebration on the court amid the gold-medal festivities. In the hours that followed she shared a short, exuberant social-media post declaring “WORLD CUP GOLD MEDALIST!!!!!!!!!!!!” alongside American flag and gold-medal emojis. Teammates, the Indiana Fever organization, and fans highlighted the moment as validation for the young guard’s first major senior international title.
The result continues Team USA’s remarkable streak of success on the world stage and keeps the program’s focus squarely on the 2028 Olympics. For Clark, the tournament offered valuable experience alongside veterans and a championship to bring home.
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