Breanna Stewart celebrated her fifth consecutive women’s FIBA World Cup title victory as the U.S. team triumphed over France with a 97-79 win. Stewart, the U.S. captain, led the charge with 22 points and was named the tournament’s MVP for the second time. The Americans extended their winning streak to 36 World Cup games, showcasing their dominance in international competition.
Despite facing a tough challenge from France, the U.S. team rallied behind Stewart and Jackie Young after trailing by 14 points in the first half. Caitlin Clark’s buzzer-beating 3-pointer helped narrow the gap to two points at halftime. The Americans took control in the second half, outscoring France with an 11-2 run to establish a lead.
France made efforts to close the gap, but the U.S. team’s strong performance, including a 16-3 run, secured their victory. Stewart, now a four-time World Cup champion, played a pivotal role in the game-changing moments. The U.S. team’s relentless pursuit of gold was evident throughout the tournament, culminating in their 9-0 record in gold-medal games since 1983.
Despite their valiant effort, France settled for their best finish in the World Cup, with Dominique Malonga and Gabby Williams leading the charge with 21 and 20 points, respectively. The loss was a disappointment for France, but Williams expressed optimism about the team’s growth and future prospects.
In a separate match, Spain claimed the bronze medal by defeating host Germany 81-58, led by Iyana Martin’s impressive 22-point performance. Spain’s victory marked their third third-place finish in the tournament. The Spanish team showcased their agility and precision, capitalizing on Germany’s turnovers to secure the win.
Germany, aiming for its first-ever medal in the competition, fell short against Spain. The emotional post-game scene saw tears from German players and jubilation from the Spanish team, highlighting the intensity of the match. For Spain, the victory was a memorable experience, reflecting on their journey and the significance of the game.
The U.S. team’s triumph and Spain’s bronze medal win capped off an exhilarating women’s FIBA World Cup, showcasing the talent and resilience of the competing teams.