Full Breakdown
USA and France Set for World Cup Final Rematch
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Event: Semifinal victories set up a gold-medal showdown
On September 13, 2026, the United States defeated Spain 76–66 in Berlin to earn a place in the women’s FIBA World Cup final. In the other semifinal, France beat host Germany 86–64, securing its first appearance in a World Cup final. The two teams will meet the following Sunday for the championship, a rematch of the 2024 Paris Olympic gold-medal game that the United States won by one point.
Background & Context
The United States entered the tournament as four-time defending champions and has not lost a World Cup game since a semifinal defeat to Russia in 2006, extending its winning streak to 35 games. France, which has not earned a World Cup medal since a bronze in 1953, is seeking its first gold.
Data & Statistics
- Final scores: USA 76, Spain 66; France 86, Germany 64.
- Free-throw volume: The United States finished 27-of-35 (77.1%). Breanna Stewart took 11 attempts, making eight.
- Shooting efficiency: The United States made three of 18 three-point attempts (16.7%). France shot 51.6% from the field and 44.2% from three-point range.
- Team averages: France’s tournament-wide average margin of victory was 35.6 points, with an overall scoring average of 98.8 points per game.
Official Statements & Responses
Team USA captain Breanna Stewart said the team must “turn the page” and focus on the gold-medal game. Coach Kara Lawson praised the defensive effort in the semifinal. Marine Johannes, speaking for France, reiterated that the team has “nothing to lose” and will “play hard” in the final.
Verbatim Quotes
- “This is a completely new game and everybody has their own things that continue to motivate them,” — Breanna Stewart
- “I thought defensively, it was the best we had played, from guarding the ball to guarding the ball screen to boxing out and limiting to one shot,” — Kara Lawson, US coach
- “If I'm honest, we have nothing to lose,” — France's Marine Johannes
Why It Matters
A United States victory would secure a fifth straight World Cup title and match the Soviet Union’s record of five consecutive championships, reinforcing the country’s dominance in women’s international basketball. A French win would deliver the nation’s first World Cup gold and represent the first major international title for the French women’s program since 1953.
What’s Next
The gold-medal game is scheduled for Sunday at 2 p.m. ET in Berlin’s Uber Arena. The bronze-medal contest between Spain and Germany will be played earlier that day at 10:30 a.m. ET. Both finals will determine whether the United States extends its historic run or France captures its inaugural World Cup crown.