"VAN" (Sports Desk - 14.09.2026) :: USA extended their impressive FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup legacy with yet another title success as they fought off France 97-79 in the showpiece game in Berlin, Germany.
A packed Berlin Arena watched as USA came back from a 14-point deficit in the first-half to take victory. Jackie Young saved her best performance of the competition for the final, coming up with 18 points, 6 rebounds, and 5 assists.
But it was another masterclass from Breanna Stewart that mattered most. She was outstanding and posted a double-double of 22 points and 10 rebounds.
Stewart made history as the first player to be crowned a two-time FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup TISSOT MVP.
Playing in their maiden Final, France were led across the competition by the impressive Gabby Williams and registered their highest ever finish, having taken third place at the inaugural edition back in 1953.
Stewart was joined on the All-Star Five by her USA teammate Jackie Young, as well as Gabby Williams of France, Iyana Martin of Spain and Leonie Fiebich of Germany.
A classy 22-point display from Iyana Martin inspired Spain in the Third-Place game as they eased out Germany 81-58. It secured her team their fourth medal in five editions, while the host nation have the consolation of posting their highest ever finish in the competition.
The 2026 edition also set a record-breaking attendance for the competition. A total of 236,015 fans in Berlin surpassed the previous record of 145,519 in 2022 - despite fewer games being played in the German capital. The tournament set a new benchmark with an unprecedented average game attendance of 6,556.
Final standings of the FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup 2026
1. USA
2. France
3. Spain
4. Germany
5. Belgium
6. Australia
7. China
8. Hungary
9. Italy
10. Korea
11. Puerto Rico
12. Japan
13. Mali
14. Türkiye
15. Czechia
16. Nigeria
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