Who is in line for MVP at the FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup 2026?

Team USA endured a scare against Italy, while France have been devastating, suggesting that the 11-time champions could be dethroned this year.

There have also been some phenomenal individual performances, with several WNBA stars stepping up to the plate in Berlin.

But who is on course to be crowned MVP after Sunday's final? Here, DAZN News analyses the leading contenders.

Gabby Williams (France)

France's leading talent Gabby Williams has produced some outstanding performances as her team has waltzed through the group stages and onto the quarter-finals.

The Golden State Valkyries guard-forward has earned two Player of the Game awards for her performances against Korea and Nigeria, notching 25 points against the latter.

At the time of writing, Williams averages 18.7 points per game (PPG), more than any other player in the competition, shooting 58.8% from the field and 55% from three, with 6.7 rebounds per game.

France cannot face reigning champions the USA until the final, so the 29-year-old has plenty of time to add to her numbers.

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Emma Meesseman (Belgium)

The reigning two-time EuroBasket MVP is ageing like a fine wine, with her performances in Berlin improving every match.

Emma Meesseman is the second-highest-scoring player at the World Cup behind Williams, averaging 18.3 PPG, 8.0 RPG and 50% shooting.

Not only have her points been pivotal, but the New York Liberty forward has also led her team by example with her vast experience.

The Belgian Cats are an outside bet for the competition, but with Meesseman in form, they could upset some of the favourites.

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Breanna Stewart (USA)

Team USA were taken to the wire by Italy, and if it were not for Breanna Stewart's two-point jump shot to put her side back in front with just over three minutes remaining, it could have been a shock defeat.

The New York Liberty forward has arguably the strongest CV of any player in Berlin, with three successive gold medals and was named 2018 MVP.

Stewart is averaging 10.3 PPG and 8.3 rebounds per game (RPG) but significantly leads the USA in efficiency at 18.

Team USA are expected to reach the final and win it, and if they do, then Stewart would not only have played a vital part, but she would be a strong contender for MVP.

Marine Johannes (France)

Another French candidate for the MVP award is Marine Johannes, who delivered some consistently high performances throughout the group stages.

The New York Liberty guard is averaging 17 PPG, the seventh-highest of any player, while shooting an impressive 52% from three.

Johannes posted 17 points in each of France's group stage games against Hungary, Korea and Nigeria, again highlighting her consistency.

The 31-year-old has provided an elite shooting threat from the perimeter and is in contention for the MVP award.

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Paige Bueckers (USA)

Paige Bueckers was one of the most talked-about names heading into the competition, and she has lived up to expectations already.

In her first senior World Cup, the 24-year-old has averaged 10.3 points, 3.7 assists and 3.7 rebounds per game.

Furthermore, her shooting has been extremely efficient, with 59.1% from the field and 61.1% from two-point range.

While her numbers do not stand out by any means, she has contributed across the court, averaging 1.3 blocks per game, giving the USA another defensive dimension.

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