Story perspectives

Team USA Beats France 97-79 for Fifth Straight Title

By Drooid · Sep 14, 2026, 10:01 PM UTC · How we work

Summary

USA Wins Fifth

Team USA defeated France 97-79 in Berlin, securing a fifth consecutive FIBA Women’s World Cup title.
Captain Breanna Stewart posted 22 points and 10 rebounds, becoming the first player with two World Cup MVP awards.
The United States extended its winning streak to 36 games, tying the Soviet Union’s record of five straight titles.
The final set a new attendance record with 236,015 fans in Berlin, averaging 6,556 per game.

Summary

Sue Bird Faces Cuts

Sue Bird faces tough roster decisions for the 2028 Olympics after the World Cup victory.
Projected starters include Aliyah Boston, Paige Bueckers, Caitlin Clark, Napheesa Collier, Chelsea Gray, and Angel Reese.
The final three roster spots are expected to go to Olivia Miles, JuJu Watkins, and Rhyne Howard.
Kahleah Copper, Sabrina Ionescu, and Kelsey Plum may be omitted despite strong World Cup performances.

History

Historical Context

In Atlanta 1996 the U.S. women’s basketball team won its third Olympic gold, beating Brazil 111–87 and finishing undefeated, a triumph credited with launching the WNBA. That breakthrough forged a decade of dominance, a legacy echoed by the recent World Cup victory in Berlin where captain Breanna Stewart repeated the gold-medal standard.

1 of 3

USA Wins Fifth

Team USA defeated France 97-79 in Berlin, securing a fifth consecutive FIBA Women’s World Cup title.
Captain Breanna Stewart posted 22 points and 10 rebounds, becoming the first player with two World Cup MVP awards.
The United States extended its winning streak to 36 games, tying the Soviet Union’s record of five straight titles.
The final set a new attendance record with 236,015 fans in Berlin, averaging 6,556 per game.

1 / 3