The USA Basketball women’s national team defeated France, 97-79 on Sunday evening to win the Gold Medal in the 2026 FIBA Women’s World Cup. The win is the Americans’ fifth consecutive World Cup title.
Washington Mystics guard Sonia Citron and forward Kiki Iriafen played sparingly in this game, but this wasn’t unexpected given that they were the last additions. As Mystics fans, they received the “graduate school education” by training and playing alongside numerous other WNBA stars. I think it will
be helpful for them as the Mystics head toward their last four regular season games before the playoffs.
Anyway, as for the game itself, despite the lopsided score, this wasn’t an all USA, all the time affair. Les Bleues led for much of the second quarter and headed into halftime with a 45-43 lead. The 30-12 third quarter which the Americans had was the knockout blow.
Breanna Stewart led the Americans with 22 points, 10 rebounds and 4 assists, playing 30 minutes. Jackie Young added 18 more.
For France, Dominque Malonga led with 21 points while Gabby Williams added 20 more.
I’m happy that the Mystics didn’t just produce two Gold Medal winning World Cup players in Citron and Iriafen. Before this game, Spain beat Germany, 81-58 in the Bronze Medal game. Mystics guard Alicia Florez only played 5 minutes but again, she wasn’t expected to be among her country’s biggest contributors. At least least for this tournament.
Now that the World Cup is over, the Mystics will begin preparing for the end of the regular season and beyond. Their next game is on the road Thursday against the Chicago Sky. Tip off is at 8 p.m. ET. See you then.
