USA Basketball lifts 5th straight FIBA World Cup trophy

“We’ve always been friends — don’t try to do that.” - FIBA gold medalist Caitlin Clark clapping back at a reporter questioning her bond with US teammate Angel Reese.

Team USA lifts 5th straight World Cup trophy

USA Basketball has done it again, overcoming a 14-point deficit to take down France 97-79 on Sunday and win a fifth straight FIBA Women’s World Cup title.

• Veteran forward Breanna Stewart earned 2026 World Cup MVP after notching a 22-point, 10-assist double-double against Les Bleus — becoming the tournament’s first-ever two-time MVP.

• “I pride myself on being consistent, and that’s showing up when it’s the big moments and the small moments and all the moments in between,“ Stewart said. (Watch full highlights)

Looking ahead: A commanding performance against the 2024 Olympic silver medalist cemented Team USA’s global dominance — despite some close calls.

• The event also set the stage for the 2028 LA Olympics, with young stars Caitlin Clark, Angel Reese, and Paige Bueckers gaining key experience.

• “After we had that close game with Italy, [Stewart] was somebody that was really vocal in the locker room about, ‘Don’t be flustered by this. This is normal,’” Clark said. “It’s not always going to be pretty.” (See full report)

Up next: Players now return to the WNBA, tipping off the regular season’s final week this Thursday. (See fulls schedule)

Elena Rybakina wins 1st US Open title

Elena Rybakina took Queens by storm, dethroning defending champion No. 1 seed Aryna Sabalenka in three sets to lift her first US Open trophy on Saturday.

• The calm and collected newly minted world No. 1 notched 12 aces in the win, including the serve that put the match out of reach for former No. 1 Sabalenka as the Belarusian fell short of her three-peat bid.

• “I’m obviously not really happy with the level I played today, but she served incredible,” said Sabalenka. “She played really aggressive, great tennis.” (Watch full highlights)

Taking stock: Rybakina is closing in on a career slam, eying an elusive French Open title after wins at the 2026 Australian Open and 2022 Wimbledon.

• The 27-year-old earned Kazakhstan’s first-ever No. 1 ranking, dropping just three sets in Flushing Meadows despite a lingering ankle injury.

• “It’s tough to find words right now, honestly,” she said postmatch. “I didn’t expect nothing like this coming to this tournament.” (Watch full clip)

Boston stuns the Spirit 3-0

The Spirit’s 2026 Shield hunt hit a snag, as No. 13 Boston derailed No. 2 Washington’s two-game winning streak with Sunday’s surprise 3-0 upset.

• All three Legacy goals came late, with Aïssata Traoré’s 81st-minute tally teeing up Amanda Gutierres’s second-half stoppage-time brace.

• “It doesn’t matter where we are in the table,” Guttieres said. “We need to keep that mentality from the beginning of the season.” (Watch full highlights)

Big impact: The loss sent the Spirit skidding five points below No. 1 Gotham at the top of the NWSL table — shaking up the tightest Shield race since 2023.

• Weekend wins also saw No. 3 Utah and No. 4 San Diego move within one point of Washington, with six matchweeks left in the regular season.

• “As always, a good learning,” said Spirit coach Adrián González. “I would prefer this now than the end of the season, or potential playoff.” (See full standings)

USWNT reaches U-20 WWC knockouts

The USWNT is marching on, advancing to the 2026 U-20 FIFA Women’s World Cup knockout rounds by a slim margin after Saturday’s 9-0 rout of New Zealand.

• The US finished third in Group D with four points, trailing No. 1 Italy and No. 2 Japan after drawing the Nadeshiko 2-2 in its second group-stage clash.

• Bay FC’s Kennedy Fuller scored her first international hat trick in the weekend win, becoming just the sixth U-20 USWNT player to score three goals in one game. (Watch full highlights)

Scouting report: Carrying a roster with limited pro experience, the US now faces Group B winner Brazil in Wednesday’s Round of 16.

• As Canarinhas took all nine group-stage points, squashing both England and Canada en route to the knockouts in Poland. (See full schedule)

Tune in: The USWNT takes on Brazil on Wednesday at 9 AM ET (FS2).

Team Europe reclaims Solheim Cup over US

Europe stole back the Solheim Cup, securing a 15-13 victory over reigning champion Team USA to reclaim golf’s most prestigious team trophy.

• Rising LPGA star Lottie Woad hit the tournament-winning shot, before veteran Carlota Ciganda pushed the home side beyond the 14.5-point target to seal the deal in the Netherlands.

• “I love beating the Americans, just winning for Team Europe, it’s the best feeling,” Ciganda said afterward. (Watch full highlights)

Taking stock: The Europeans now have three of the last five Solheim Cups under their belts, officially taking back the crown after the US prevailed in 2024.

• “Their backs were against the wall, they had nothing to lose, and that’s exactly what they did,” Team USA captain Angela Stanford said of the winning squad. “They came out and played well.” (See full report)

What you had to say

Last week, 65% of readers tapped Aryna Sabalenka to win the 2026 US Open. Better luck next time.

• 65%: Aryna Sabalenka

• 35%: Elena Rybakina