FIBA World Cup Final
Team USA Faces France in FIBA World Cup Final Amid Roster Debate
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Key Points
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Kara Lawson kept the same starting lineup for the final: Chelsea Gray, Jackie Young, Kahleah Copper, Breanna Stewart and Napheesa Collier. Team USA also continued to start without a traditional center.
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Team USA preserved its 20-game winning streak in the FIBA Women’s World Cup by beating Spain, despite Spain opening the semifinal with a 9-1 run and leading 16-11 when Caitlin Clark entered with fewer than four minutes left in the first quarter.
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The semifinal win over Spain was heavily aided by free throws: the United States attempted 35, compared with Spain’s 11. Clark finished with one point, three missed shots and one assist, while Angel Reese recorded five points and three rebounds.
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In the final’s first half, Breanna Stewart and Chelsea Gray were the United States’ leading scorers with six points apiece, while France led after both quarters and Gabby Williams had 14 points in 14 minutes.
Team USA defeated France 97-79 in the 2026 FIBA Women's World Cup final in Berlin, Germany, securing their fifth consecutive world championship NBA. The victory extended America's remarkable winning streak to 36 consecutive World Cup games dating back to 2006 NBA. The win came after intense debate over coach Kara Lawson's rotation choices, particularly the limited minutes given to young stars Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese throughout the tournament.
Clark finished the final with 12 points, a significant contribution after scoring just one point in the semifinal against Spain Heavy. Reese came off the bench and led Team USA in blocks, helping the Americans overcome an early deficit to dominate France in the second half Total Pro Sports. The gold medal marked the first FIBA World Cup title for both players on the international stage.
Spain Semifinals Test Exposed USA Shooting Struggles
Team USA beat Spain 76-66 in the semifinals to preserve its 20-game FIBA World Cup winning streak NBA. The Americans struggled from beyond the arc, shooting just 3-for-18 from three-point range. Spain opened hot with a 9-1 run and led 16-11 before Caitlin Clark entered with fewer than four minutes left in the first quarter.
The free throw difference proved decisive. Team USA attempted 35 free throws compared to Spain's 11, according to tournament records. Clark scored one point on three missed shots with one assist. Angel Reese added five points and three rebounds off the bench in a limited role that sparked criticism from fans online.
Lawson Kept Veteran Lineup Despite Early Struggles
Coach Kara Lawson maintained the same starting five for the championship game: Chelsea Gray, Jackie Young, Kahleah Copper, Breanna Stewart and Napheesa Collier. Team USA continued playing without a traditional center, relying on versatile defenders and ball movement instead. This approach had drawn questions after uneven performances in earlier rounds.
In the final's first half, Breanna Stewart and Chelsea Gray led Team USA scoring with six points apiece. France jumped to an early lead, going up 45-43 at halftime. Gabby Williams dominated for France with 14 points in just 14 minutes of first-half play, showing the scoring depth the Americans faced.
Clark and Reese Deliver When It Matters Most
Despite limited minutes throughout the tournament, Clark proved instrumental in the championship game, finishing with 12 points to help lift Team USA Heavy. Reese wasted no time sending messages to critics after winning gold, posting on social media about her contributions to the American victory Sports Yahoo. Both young stars showed they could perform under pressure in the biggest game.
The second-half performance showcased why Lawson's roster depth mattered. Team USA outscored France significantly after halftime, running away to a 97-79 victory that was widely celebrated across the country Bleacher Report. The gold medal marked a historic first FIBA World Cup championship for both Clark and Reese on the international stage.
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