Team USA secures its fifth gold medal at the FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup
Photo Courtesy of Gamecock Central- Wikimedia Commons
The United States of America officially secured its fifth consecutive World Cup title in its 97-79 win against France. As ESPN reports, “The U.S. women's basketball team has not lost a game in major international play since 2006 and has lost only one gold medal game (in 1983).” This year, the FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup tournament was held in Berlin, Germany, where 16 of the best teams competed for gold.
After falling to the U.S. in the semifinals, Spain blew out Germany in an 81-58 win to secure the bronze medal. Iyana Martín was a major contributor for Spain throughout their journey, scoring 22 points against Germany. Martín will most likely be playing in the Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA) next season, and at only 20 years old, fans are excited to see her development.
France, led by Gabby Williams, was extremely dominant throughout all of their games leading up to the final, with some fans beginning to doubt if the Americans could rise to the occasion. Although France came in second place, it is hard not to admire how hard they fought, and it is important to acknowledge that this was a historic silver medal for the team. Upon earning the silver medal, France officially recorded their “highest ever finish” in the FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup. Previously, France finished in third place during the 1953 tournament.
Gabby Williams, who plays for the Golden State Valkyries in the WNBA, has been outstanding. She was named captain for Team France and scored 20 points during the final match, as well as being named the FIBA World Cup Best Defensive Player. A majority of the French players also play in the WNBA, which intensified the excitement of the matchup with the Americans. Most of these players have played together and are familiar with each other’s playing styles, so it made for an exciting matchup.
Team USA was missing star veteran players A’ja Wilson and Kelsey Plum due to injuries this World Cup, with Sonia Citron and Kiki Iriafen being called up to take their place throughout the tournament. However, Breanna Stewart and Jackie Young both stepped up in the final game to lead America to the gold medal. Stewart—who was also named captain for Team U.S.A.—went on to win MVP of the FIBA World Cup. During the postgame press conference, she said, “I pride myself on being consistent, and that’s showing up when it’s the big moments and the small moments and all the moments in between…It’s like an unrealistic confidence that I have in myself, especially in those big moments. I believe that I always have a chance to win no matter what happens in the game.”
One of the most exciting things for U.S. fans to witness was how unbeatable Team USA’s roster looked. Combining the talents of Paige Bueckers, Sonia Citron, Rhyne Howard, Kahleah Copper, Chelsea Gray, Kiki Iriafan, Breanna Stewart, Naphesa Collier, Caitlin Clark, Jackie Young, Aliyah Boston, and Angel Reese makes for a terrifying matchup for any opposing team.
Looking ahead to the 2028 Olympics, fans are excited to see who will be added to the roster, as well as which veterans will decide to make a comeback. Talented rookies Azzi Fudd and Olivia Miles have been proving themselves in the WNBA, and cases could be made for either of them to join future rosters. Alongside that, Sarah Strong and Juju Watkins will soon be moving from college into the WNBA, and both would be excellent additions to the roster.