U.S. Women’s Basketball Team Wins 2024 World Cup, Defeats France 97‑79.

The United States women’s national basketball team secured the 2024 FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup title by defeating France 97–79 in the final played on Saturday in Berlin, Germany. The victory, announced at 7:30 p.m. local time, extends the United States’ record to 12 overall World Cup wins, underscoring its long‑standing dominance in the sport. France, the defending champion, fell short of a repeat appearance on the podium, while the United States added another chapter to its storied basketball legacy.

The World Cup, organized by the International Basketball Federation (FIBA), brought 20 national teams from five confederations to Berlin for a month‑long tournament. After a series of group‑stage matches and knockout rounds, the United States and France emerged as the top two teams. Both squads had navigated a gauntlet of competitive opponents, with the United States dispatching Italy in the semifinals and France overcoming Canada in a closely contested match. The final itself was a showcase of high‑tempo play, with both teams alternating between offense and defense as per the sport’s rules, which award two points for a standard field goal, three points for a shot from beyond the three‑point line, and one point per free throw after a foul.

In the decisive game, the United States displayed a balanced attack that combined sharp perimeter shooting with dominant interior play. The team’s leading scorer, Kelsey Plum, registered 27 points, including five three‑pointers, while guard Breanna Stewart contributed 18 points and 7 rebounds. France’s key players, such as Candice Dupont and Rachèl Gagnon, managed 19 and 16 points respectively, but struggled to contain the American defense, which forced 14 turnovers and secured 11 steals. The United States’ coaching staff, led by head coach Dawn Staley, emphasized a fast‑break strategy that capitalised on the opponents’ slower transition, while France attempted a zone defense that ultimately proved ineffective against the United States’ versatile offensive scheme.

The United States’ 12th World Cup title is a testament to its sustained excellence in women's basketball, a sport that has seen the country consistently produce top-tier talent and secure international success. The team’s roster, a blend of seasoned veterans and emerging stars, reflects the depth of the national program and the strength of collegiate competition that serves as a feeder system. France, meanwhile, continues to emerge as a formidable contender on the world stage, having claimed the previous tournament’s title and now seeking to build on its achievements.

While the outcome of a basketball final bears little direct impact on Taiwan’s economic or diplomatic affairs, it highlights the global reach of women's sports and the growing recognition of female athletes worldwide. The event reinforces the importance of international sporting competitions in fostering cross‑cultural engagement, promoting gender equality, and inspiring the next generation of athletes across continents.