The United States look to capture their fifth consecutive FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup title when they face also-unbeaten France in Sunday's championship game at 2 PM ET in Berlin.
The clash is a rematch of the 2024 Paris Olympic final, when the Americans escaped with a 67-66 victory after Gabby Williams' potential game-tying shot at the buzzer was ruled a two-pointer.
Both teams enter 5-0, but France has been the tournament's most dominant team statistically.
Les Bleues have won every game by at least 22 points, including Saturday's 86-64 semifinal victory over host Germany. Williams had 22 points, five rebounds, five assists and four steals as France reached its first Women's World Cup final.
The United States knocked off Spain in the other semifinal, 76-66, after the game was tied entering the fourth quarter. Breanna Stewart scored 16 points, and the Americans held Spain to eight fourth-quarter points.
The victory extended the USA's World Cup winning streak to 35 games. A win today would give the Americans their fifth straight title and 12th overall.
Can France finally end the Americans' two-decade World Cup reign?Read below to find out our experts' picks and predictions.
France vs. United States betting picks and predictions
France +6.5 (-110)
The Americans are solid 6.5-point favorites at -380 on the moneyline, while France sits at +260. But the French have been spectacular offensively, averaging 96.2 points while shooting 51.6% from the field and 44.2% from beyond the arc entering the final.
Williams has been at the center of everything. She averaged 17.5 points, 5.3 rebounds and three assists through the quarterfinals before producing 22 points, five rebounds and five assists against Germany. She also has 14 steals in five tournament games.
Marine Johannes, who had 13 points off the bench against the Germans, provides another dangerous perimeter option, while 6-foot-6 Dominique Malonga gives France size inside. Janelle Salaun had 14 points and 11 rebounds in the semifinal and is a quiet threat at both ends of the court.
The United States has hardly struggled, but two opponents have demonstrated that somebody can push this team. Italy held the Americans to 29% shooting in a 55-52 group-stage loss. Spain then stayed even through three quarters on Saturday before the USA pulled away.
Stewart was the difference maker in the semifinal, scoring 16 points after averaging 9.8 points and seven rebounds through the first four games. Kahleah Copper added 13 points, followed by Jackie Young with 12 points.
Caitlin Clark entered the semifinal leading the tournament with seven assists per game, but was held to one assist and one point on 0-for-3 shooting against Spain.
The Americans' defense remains their greatest advantage. No opponent has scored more than 66 points or shot better than 38% from the field against them.
But France is easily their most dangerous offensive opponent.
The French also know they can play with the Americans after coming within one point of Olympic gold two years ago. Take France to cover as a 6.5-point underdog.
Under 155.5 points (-115)
France's offensive numbers are impressive, and the United States is scoring 87.6 points per game themselves. But the Americans have consistently dragged opponents into lower-scoring games when necessary. They have allowed 61, 52, 64, 56 and 66 points in their five games.
France, meanwhile, has scored at least 86 in every contest, routing Hungary 99-53, Korea 95-69 and Nigeria 111-56 before beating China 90-61 and Germany 86-64. But as you can see, that total topped 155.5 points only once.
The 2024 Olympic final provides a useful blueprint. France held the United States to 67 points and turned the gold-medal game into a physical, half-court battle.
The Americans should also attack the glass. Germany outrebounded France 41-31 on Saturday, an area where the USA's collection of Stewart, Napheesa Collier and Angel Reese could create extra possessions while simultaneously slowing France's transition attack.
Neither side needs to play at the frantic pace that produced some blowouts earlier in the tournament.
Expect another competitive championship game, with the USA's depth and defense ultimately making the difference. The teams could come close to the total, but the call is for them to ultimately fall short. Take the Under.
United States vs. France odds
United States | -380 |
France | +260 |
Spread | USA -65 |
Total | O/U 155.5 |
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This article was written by a partner sports writer via Spotlight Sports Group. All odds displayed on this page were correct at the time of writing and are subject to withdrawal or change at any time.
