The United States came from 14 points behind to defeat France 97-79 in the Women’s Basketball World Cup final on Sunday, September 13, securing a fifth consecutive world title and extending its remarkable dominance of international women’s basketball.
According to Reuters, France started strongly and opened a 14-point advantage in the second quarter after producing a 21-2 scoring run. However, the United States recovered before halftime and entered the second half just two points behind.
The Americans then took control in the third quarter, outscoring France 30-12.
Consecutive three-pointers from Kahleah Copper and Jackie Young helped the United States establish a lead that France was unable to recover from.
USA captain Breanna Stewart led the champions with 22 points and played a crucial role in turning the game around.
Caitlin Clark also contributed 12 points, including a three-pointer at the end of the first half that reduced France’s advantage to two points.
France had entered the final hoping to win its first Women’s World Cup title. The final was also a rematch of the 2024 Olympic gold-medal game, when the United States defeated France.
The French side initially appeared capable of producing a major upset.
Gabby Williams led France’s early offensive surge as the team repeatedly found openings against the American defence.
France’s 21-2 run transformed an evenly contested opening into a 14-point advantage.
The United States, however, gradually improved its defence and shooting efficiency.
After reducing the deficit before halftime, the Americans returned from the interval with greater intensity and quickly shifted the momentum.
By the opening stages of the fourth quarter, the United States had built a 19-point advantage.
France struggled to break through the American defence and was unable to reproduce the attacking form that had given it control during the first half.
The victory means the United States has now won five consecutive Women’s World Cup titles.
According to Reuters, the Americans have also remained unbeaten in Olympic and World Cup competition for 20 years.
France nevertheless secured its best-ever finish in the competition by taking the silver medal in its first World Cup final.
Spain claimed the bronze medal after defeating hosts Germany 81-58 in the third-place match.
As of today, the United States remains the dominant force in international women’s basketball, while France’s run to its first World Cup final provides evidence of the increasing competitiveness of the women’s game.
