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2026 FIBA Women’s World Cup Final: Team USA and France Prepare for Gold Medal Rematch

Published: September 13, 2026, 2:30 pm

The 2026 FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup concludes on Sunday at Berlin Arena in Germany, where Team USA and France will face off in a high-stakes final. The matchup serves as a direct rematch of the 2024 Olympic final, a thriller that the Americans narrowly secured by a single point. Both nations enter the championship game with unbeaten records, promising a competitive battle for the title.

France’s path to the final included wins over South Korea, Nigeria, and Hungary during the group stages, followed by decisive knockout victories against China and Germany. Team USA enters the contest following group wins over China, Italy, and the Czech Republic, alongside dominant performances against Spain and Hungary in the later rounds. Both teams have maintained consistent starting lineups throughout the tournament and are expected to continue that trend for this final.

Team USA’s veteran rotation features Chelsea Gray and Jackie Young in the backcourt, while Kahleah Copper serves as the starting small forward. The frontcourt is anchored by Breanna Stewart and Napheesa Collier. Beyond the starters, the U.S. roster maintains significant depth, utilizing bench talent including Caitlin Clark, Paige Bueckers, Sonia Citron, and Angel Reese as they pursue a fifth consecutive World Cup title.

France’s starting five centers on point guard Gabby Williams, who ranks among the tournament’s leading scorers. She is paired in the backcourt with shooting guard and Connecticut Sun player Leila Lacan, while Phoenix Mercury forward Valeriane Ayayi holds the small forward position. Janelle Salaun and Marieme Badiane round out the French frontcourt, with Dominique Malonga available to provide a significant impact off the bench.

The atmosphere at Berlin Arena is set to be electric as both teams look to conclude the tournament on a high note. With both sides boasting deep rosters and tactical familiarity, the final remains one of the most anticipated events in international women’s basketball. The report also notes that 13) | 2026 FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup Final. The report also notes that setting the stage for another closely contested matchup tonight, the Americans edged France by a single point in that thriller. The report also notes that team USA has fielded a veteran lineup for all of its games so far. The report also notes that the US will mostly remain unchanged as they hope to secure their fifth straight World Cup win on Sunday, while the fans would love to see the younger generation take the floor.