The dynasty lives: Team USA survives first-half scare to down France, win fifth straight FIBA World Cup gold

Team USA's dynasty continued on Sunday with a 97-79 win over France in the final of the 2026 FIBA Women's World Cup. This was Team USA's fifth consecutive World Cup title, equaling the Soviet Union (1959-75) for the longest streak ever, and their 12th overall.

Team USA has now won 36 consecutive games at the World Cup, and 72 games in a row at major international tournaments. The Americans' last defeat came in the semifinals of the 2006 World Cup against Russia. They took home the bronze that year, which is the last time they have failed to win gold at either the World Cup or Olympics.

Breanna Stewart was named MVP of the tournament after putting up 22 points, 10 rebounds and four assists on 7 of 10 from the field.

Though Stewart's overall numbers for the tournament — 12.8 points, 7.3 rebounds, 2.8 assists and 0.7 steals on 55.3% shooting — aren't eye-popping, she led Team USA in scoring and rebounding, and was the best player on the floor in both the semifinal and the final. Against Spain, she put up 16 points, six rebounds, two assists, a steal and a block on 4 of 6 shooting.

Stewart…

Original source: https://www.cbssports.com/