The United States defeated France 97-79 on Sunday to win the 2026 FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup after turning a closely contested final into a one-sided affair after halftime.

France controlled much of the opening half and repeatedly responded to American runs.

After USA moved ahead 15-10 with a 6-0 run late in the first quarter, France answered with a 10-2 surge to finish the period ahead 20-17.

France carried that momentum into the second quarter, opening with an 8-0 run to extend their lead to 28-17 and force a US timeout with 8:14 remaining.

The French continued their run after the timeout, stretching the advantage to a game-high 14 points at 31-17 with 7:27 left in the quarter.

The Americans then responded, fighting their way back into the game and reducing the deficit to six points at 33-27, prompting France to call a timeout of their own.

France held on to take a narrow 45-43 lead into halftime, with Gabby Williams leading the team with 16 points at the break.

The game changed dramatically in the third quarter.

USA opened the second half with a 9-0 run to take a 52-45 lead. France called timeout, but the Americans continued to build their advantage, outscoring France 30-12 in the period to take a commanding 73-57 lead into the fourth.

USA then delivered another early blow in the final quarter, opening with a 9-2 run to make it 82-59 and effectively putting the game out of reach.

France made one final push and cut the deficit to 88-74 with 2:38 remaining, but the Americans remained in control down the stretch and closed out the 18-point victory.

Breanna Stewart led USA with a double-double of 22 points and 10 rebounds, while Jackie Young added 18 points, six rebounds and five assists.

Dominique Malonga led France with 21 points, while Williams, who had scored 16 in the first half, added only four after the break to finish with 20.

The victory gave the United States their fifth consecutive Women's World Cup title and a record-extending 12th overall. (AA)