France and Spain reach the podium as Europe shines at the Women’s Basketball World Cup

France claimed silver, Spain took bronze and Germany finished fourth at the Women’s Basketball World Cup, held in Berlin from 4 to 13 September. Three European teams reached the semi-finals of a tournament that once again crowned the United States champions, securing their fifth consecutive title with a 97–79 victory over France in the final.

France threatened an upset in their first World Cup final. They built a 14-point lead early in the second quarter, but the United States cut the deficit to two before half-time and took control after the break. Breanna Stewart, with 22 points and ten rebounds, and Jackie Young, with 18 points, led the American response to secure their country’s 12th title.

Despite the defeat, silver marked a milestone for French basketball, ending a wait for a World Cup medal stretching back to the inaugural tournament in 1953. France booked their place in the final with an 86–64 victory over Germany, driven by Gabby Williams’ 22 points, five rebounds, five assists and four steals. Their discipline in possession also stood out, with just seven turnovers in the semi-final.

Spain responded to their semi-final defeat against the United States by beating Germany 81–58 in the third-place game. Bronze marked their return to the podium after missing the 2022 World Cup and brought their medal tally in the competition to four: silver in 2014 and bronze in 2010, 2018 and 2026. In the medal decider, Raquel Carrera contributed 15 points and five rebounds, while Awa Fam added ten points and nine rebounds.

Germany missed out on a medal but achieved their best finish at a Women’s World Cup. The hosts reached the semi-finals for the first time after defeating reigning European champions Belgium 93–74. That victory confirmed their recovery from a heavy opening defeat against Spain and gave the Berlin crowd the opportunity to support their team through to the final day of competition.

The tournament also highlighted the emerging generation within Europe’s national teams. France’s Dominique Malonga averaged 11.8 points and 6.5 rebounds and led her team’s scoring in the final with 21 points. For Spain, Awa Fam topped the team’s rebounding and blocks statistics while contributing 10.8 points per game on her World Cup debut. Both took on important roles for teams that finished among the tournament’s top three.

Among those emerging talents, Iyana Martín stood out. The 20-year-old Spanish guard concluded her first World Cup with 22 points, nine assists and four rebounds against Germany, playing a decisive role in securing bronze. An average of 17.5 points per game, selection in the All-Star Five and the tournament’s Rising Star award rounded off a debut in which she had already established herself as a leading figure in the senior national team.