The United States women’s basketball team defended their FIBA World Cup title with a 97-79 win over France, marking their fifth consecutive World Cup championship and extending their unbeaten streak across Olympics or World Cups to 20 years.

Under coach Kara Lawson, Team USA faced France in the Berlin final, aiming to extend a 35-game World Cup winning streak.

Attendance and viewership trends show strong engagement for U.S. games, highlighting the event’s broader cultural impact.

Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese formed a standout pairing for Team USA, delivering strong chemistry off the bench as part of the ‘young and turnt’ group.

France began strong, leading by as many as 14 points and tying the game in the second quarter before the U.S. rallied to take a two-point halftime lead.

The final carried heavy national significance, tying to unity in a polarized U.S. year and coinciding with the 9/11 anniversary observed during the tournament.

Clark hit a crucial buzzer-beater three at halftime and later produced a late three in the fourth to extend the USA lead.

Spain captured bronze by defeating Germany, while Iyana Martin contributed notably with 20 points and nine assists in the bronze game.

Coach Lawson kept veterans in the starting lineup but signaled openness to adjustments as the team seeks gold.

Breanna Stewart led the U.S. with 22 points, stabilizing the offense after a slow start.

Clark and Reese bridged a public rivalry into a united front, driving record TV ratings and fan engagement for the World Cup.

France, seeking revenge after the 2024 Olympic final loss, finished with silver as the U.S. defense tightened in the second half.