France beats Germany to reach first women's World Cup basketball final

The United States women's basketball team advances to the FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup final on Sunday, facing off against France in a showdown reminiscent of their 2024 Olympic final victory. The Americans prevailed by a single point over Spain in the semifinals, while France defeated Germany 86-64 in Saturday's match during the prestigious tournament leading up to the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.

The U.S. has claimed 35 consecutive World Cup games since 2006, capturing the last four titles, and boasts a remarkable 71-game win streak from World Cup to Olympic play. France, who nearly derailed that streak two years prior, edged out the U.S. 67-66 in the Paris Games final, marking their first Olympic absence since 1992. France has outperformed their initial five opponents by an average of 35.6 points per game, whereas the U.S. averages a 27.8-point margin of victory, slightly impacted by their narrow defeat against Italy by just three points.

The U.S. relied on experienced player Breanna Stewart, who contributed 16 points and six rebounds in Saturday's semifinal. France has an elite group of eight WNBA players on the roster, notably captain Gabby Williams, an All-Star for the Golden State Valkyries. The U.S. team is without the league's top player, WNBA MVP Aja Wilson, who withdrew from the roster due to health concerns.

The U.S. women's national team competes in the World Cup from September 4-13, featuring standout athletes Caitlin Clark, Angel Reese, Paige Bueckers, and USA Basketball legends linked by jersey numbers.