BERLIN, GER. — In a rematch of the 2024 Olympics gold medal game, it was déjà vu as Phoenix Mercury’s Kahleah Copper and Team USA defeated France, 97-79, for gold at the FIBA World Cup.
USA ARE THE WORLD CHAMPIONS ONCE AGAIN 🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/J6Zfhfc7eH
— FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup (@FIBAWWC) September 13, 2026
Both nations entered the gold medal game undefeated. Team USA defeated Hungary in the quarterfinals before advancing past Spain in the semifinals. France defeated China in the quarterfinals and Germany in the semifinals to earn its spot in the gold medal game.
The matchup presented a unique dynamic for the Mercury, as Copper represented Team USA — with head coach Nate Tibbetts and trainer Hannah Wengertsman — while Valeriane Ayayi suited up for France. It also marked the second time in the last two years that Phoenix teammates faced each other with a gold medal on the line.
Aug 4, 2024; Villeneuve-d’Ascq, France; France small forward Valeriane Ayayi (11) controls the ball against Australia in the first half in a women’s group B game during the Paris 2024 Olympic Summer Games at Stade Pierre-Mauroy. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports
France came out firing in the first half, building a double-digit lead and looking in control offensively. The French carried a 45-43 lead into halftime, putting the Americans in an unfamiliar position heading into the second half.
Then came the third quarter.
Team USA completely flipped the momentum, tightening up defensively and finding its rhythm on the offensive end. The Americans outscored France 30-12 in the third quarter, turning a two-point halftime deficit into a 73-57 lead entering the final frame.
From there, the U.S. never looked back, securing its fifth consecutive FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup title.
Copper finished with 15 points on 5-for-9 shooting and recorded one steal and one rebound for the Americans, while Ayayi scored eight points on 3-for-6 shooting and added two rebounds for France.
September, 2026; Berlin, Germany; Team USA guard Kahleah Copper (7) during the FIBA Women’s World Cup. Mandatory Credit: USA Basketball
The gold medal game provided another reminder of the talent Phoenix has represented on the international stage. Seeing Copper and Ayayi battle on opposite sides of a championship game made for a unique ending to the tournament — and one Mercury fans can appreciate as both players return to Phoenix with another international gold medal experience under their belts.
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Wendy Lopez is a reporter for Burn City Sports. You can follow her on her X account, @wlopezde
