Five Straight: Team USA Rallies Past France to Remain Queens of the Basketball World

Team USA has done it again.

The United States overcame a 14-point deficit to defeat France 97–79 in Berlin on September 13, capturing its fifth consecutive FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup championship and 12th title overall.

France entered halftime leading 45–43 and appeared capable of ending one of international sports’ most dominant dynasties. Team USA responded like champions—with suffocating defense, relentless pressure and an offensive explosion that completely changed the game.

France Lands the First Punch

France attacked with confidence from the opening tip and built a 14-point advantage during the first half. The Americans struggled to find their rhythm, while France moved the ball effectively and converted its early opportunities.

For a moment, the dynasty looked vulnerable.

But allowing Team USA to remain within two points at halftime proved costly. France had controlled much of the opening half, yet the Americans were still close enough to strike.

Then the champions took over.

Team USA Flips the Championship Game

The United States emerged from halftime with greater defensive intensity and a faster offensive tempo.

Team USA dominated the third quarter 30–12, turning a two-point halftime deficit into a commanding 16-point lead. The Americans forced difficult shots, attacked in transition and overwhelmed France with their depth.

By the time France attempted to respond, the championship had shifted firmly into American hands.

Team USA outscored France 54–34 during the second half, transforming a tense final into another celebration of American basketball supremacy.

Breanna Stewart Leads the Dynasty

Captain Breanna Stewart delivered when her team needed her most, finishing with 22 points, 10 rebounds and four assists.

Stewart’s impact extended far beyond the box score. Her leadership, championship experience and ability to influence both ends of the floor helped steady the United States during its difficult opening half.

When the pressure increased, Stewart elevated her game—and her teammates followed.

Five Consecutive World Championships

Winning one world championship requires elite talent.

Winning five consecutively requires an extraordinary culture.

Team USA continues to evolve while maintaining the same championship expectations. Different players enter the program, new stars emerge and international competition becomes stronger, but the result remains familiar.

The Americans have not lost an Olympic or World Cup game in two decades. That level of sustained excellence makes this more than a successful era—it is one of the greatest dynasties in sports history.

Women’s Basketball Keeps Rising

The championship also arrived during a period of unprecedented growth for women’s basketball.

More fans are watching. New stars are emerging. International competition is improving. The visibility and commercial power surrounding the women’s game continue to expand.

France proved that the gap is narrowing, but Team USA demonstrated that defeating the champions still requires surviving their best punch for an entire game.

On this night, nobody could.

Down 14. Up 18 at the finish. World champions for the fifth consecutive time.

The Team USA dynasty lives on.

Follow the tournament coverage through “FIBA” (https://www.fiba.basketball/en/events/fiba-womens-basketball-world-cup-2026) and read the championship report from “Reuters” (https://www.reuters.com/sports/usa-overcome-14-point-deficit-beat-france-97-79-win-womens-world-cup-2026-09-13/).

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