Player of the Game: Jackie Young

Jackie Young delivered a standout performance on the biggest stage, earning Player of the Game honors as Team USA defeated France 97-79 in the 2026 FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup final in Berlin. Young finished with 18 points, six rebounds and five assists, helping the United States overcome a 14-point deficit and complete another championship run. Her performance provided a critical offensive boost during the Americans’ comeback, as she consistently made the right plays while contributing as a scorer, rebounder and facilitator. FIBA highlighted Young’s decisive role alongside Breanna Stewart, whose 22-point, 10-rebound double-double led the United States to its 12th World Cup championship.

France's Strong Start

France controlled much of the opening half and appeared capable of producing one of the biggest upsets in World Cup history. The French team opened the game with a strong scoring run and eventually built a 14-point lead in the second quarter. Gabby Williams was particularly effective for France, creating problems for the American defense and helping her team maintain control. Team USA, however, steadily chipped away at the deficit before halftime. A three-pointer by Caitlin Clark at the buzzer reduced France’s advantage to just 45-43, giving the Americans momentum heading into the second half. Young’s offensive production was already important during the comeback, keeping Team USA within reach while France had control of the game.

Turning Point in the Third Quarter

The third quarter became the turning point, and Young was at the center of the United States’ surge. Team USA dramatically increased its defensive intensity and offensive execution after halftime, scoring 30 points in the third quarter while limiting France to just 12. Young connected on four three-pointers in the final, including a pair during the decisive stretch that helped the Americans establish control. Her shooting forced France to defend the perimeter more aggressively, creating additional space for Stewart and Team USA’s other offensive weapons. By the end of the third quarter, the United States had transformed its two-point halftime deficit into a 73-57 advantage, effectively changing the direction of the championship game.

Young's Impactful Performance

Young finished the final 7-for-14 from the field and 4-for-7 from three-point range, while adding six rebounds and five assists. She also committed zero turnovers, an important detail in a championship game where possessions became increasingly valuable as the United States pulled away. Her official FIBA line included 30 minutes, 18 points, six rebounds, five assists and a +15 plus-minus rating. The performance represented Young’s best scoring game of the tournament and came at exactly the moment Team USA needed another reliable offensive option. Across the entire World Cup, she averaged 12.3 points, 3.7 rebounds and 3.2 assists, demonstrating her consistent all-around contribution throughout the competition.

A Historic Achievement

The championship capped a remarkable tournament for Team USA and another important international achievement for Young. The victory gave the United States its fifth consecutive FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup title and 12th overall, extending its World Cup winning streak to 36 consecutive games. Young was also selected to the FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup All-Star Five, joining tournament MVP Breanna Stewart among the competition’s elite performers. Stewart became the first player in World Cup history to win the TISSOT MVP award twice, but Young’s inclusion on the All-Star Five reflected the significant impact she made throughout the tournament. Her versatility and ability to contribute without needing to dominate the ball made her an important part of the American championship formula.

For Young, the final represented a fitting conclusion to a tournament in which she consistently embraced her role and delivered when Team USA needed her most. France had threatened to derail the Americans’ pursuit of another championship by taking a double-digit lead, but Young helped fuel the response with efficient shooting, smart passing and strong rebounding. Her 18-point, six-rebound and five-assist performance ultimately earned Player of the Game recognition and became one of the defining individual performances of the final. Team USA finished the night with a convincing 97-79 victory, another gold medal and an extended international dynasty. Young’s performance demonstrated why she remains such a valuable two-way contributor: when the pressure increased, she provided the scoring, playmaking and composure necessary to help the United States turn a difficult championship game into another historic victory.