Unrivaled in Action: Recapping the 2026 FIBA World Cup
MIAMI (September 18, 2026) —The 2026 FIBA Women’s World Cup was very Unrivaled, as nine of 12 rostered players on Team USA and four international players represented the league in Berlin. Co-Founder Breanna Stewart (USA) made World Cup history, becoming the first-ever two-time TISSOT MVP (2018, 2026). Gabby Williams (France) was named the World Cup’s Best Defensive Player for the first time in her career. Unrivaled made up three of the five spots on the 2026 World Cup All-Star 5, with Stewart, Williams and Jackie Young all earning the honor.
In addition to Stewart, Williams and Young, Paige Bueckers (United States), Aliyah Boston (United States), Sonia Citron (United States), Napheesa Collier (United States), Kahleah Copper (United States), Chelsea Gray (United States), Rhyne Howard (United States), Marine Johannès (France), Dominique Malonga (France) and Ezi Magbegor (Australia) all competed on the international stage from Sept. 4-13.
USA
Team USA extended its dynasty, claiming its fifth consecutive and 12th overall FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup title. Stewart poured in a 22-point, 10-rebound double-double to help Team USA overcome a 14-point deficit against France in the championship to win 97-79. She combined with Jackie Young to score 40 points as Young followed with 18 points and four assists. Stewart and Young were both named to the World Cup’s All-Star 5 after averaging 12.8 and 12.3 points, respectively. In addition to making her World Cup debut, Young became the first-ever player to win an NCAA title, WNBA championship, Olympic 3x3 gold, Olympic 5x5 gold and World Cup gold.
Kahleah Copper delivered a pivotal performance in the semifinals, combining with Young to score 10 points in the final frame against Spain and pull away from a 58-58 tie after a slow offensive start. USA outscored Spain 18-8 in the fourth to win 76-66 and punch its ticket to the finals.
Team USA’s most dominant performance of the World Cup came against Hungary in the quarterfinals, winning 108-56. Team USA opened the first quarter with a 28-9 run and never looked back, going on to record the highest-scoring first half in a World Cup quarterfinal with 59 points. Co-Founder Napheesa Collier led all scorers with 19 points while Rhyne Howard followed with 15.
Full Results
Group Phase:
Sept. 4, 2026 — USA 94, China 61
Sept. 6, 2026 — USA 55, Italy 52
Sept. 7, 2026 — USA 105, Czech Republic 64
Quarterfinals:
Sept. 10, 2026 — USA 108, Hungary 56
Semifinals:
Sept. 12, 2026 — USA 76, Spain 66
Final:
Sept. 13, 2026 — USA 97, France 79
FRANCE
In addition to Best Defensive Player honors, Gabby Williams was named to the World Cup All-Star 5, having averaged 18.7 points and 2.8 steals per game. Williams totaled a World Cup-high 112 points in six outings as a first-time captain of Les Bleues, becoming the first active WNBA player to captain France on the international stage in more than a decade. Williams scored in double figures in every appearance, including 25 points against Nigeria to send France to the quarterfinals, and 20 points and seven assists in the final against Team USA.
Marine Johannès averaged 14 points per game, ranking second on France behind Williams in scoring. She averaged 17 points in the group phase, totaling 13 3-pointers through just three games of play. Dominique Malonga made her FIBA World Cup debut at 20 years old, averaging 11.8 points and team-high 0.8 blocks.
Led by Williams, Johannès and Malonga, France earned its highest-ever finish at the FIBA World Cup, claiming silver after falling to Team USA in the final. The medal marked France’s first World Cup podium finish since 1953.
Full Results
Group Phase:
Sept. 4, 2026 — France 99, Hungary 53
Sept. 5, 2026 — France 95, South Korea 69
Sept. 7, 2026 — France 111, Nigeria 56
Quarterfinals:
Sept. 10, 2026 — France 90, China 61
Semifinals:
Sept. 12, 2026 — France 86, Germany 64
Final:
Sept. 13, 2026 — USA 97, France 79
AUSTRALIA
Ezi Magbegor was named captain of Australia for the first time in her career after making her senior national team debut at 18 years old in 2018. Magbegor averaged 12.3 points and 5.3 rebounds before her time was cut short due to an ACL injury. Australia went on to reach the quarterfinals before falling to Spain, 66-89.
Full Results
Group Phase:
Sept. 4, 2026 — Australia 70, Puerto Rico 54
Sept. 6, 2026 — Australia 87, Türkiye 71
Sept. 7, 2026 — Belgium 80, Australia 68
Qualification to Quarterfinals:
Sept. 9, 2026 — Australia 82, Italy 80
Quarterfinals:
Sept. 10, 2026 — Spain 89, Australia 66