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In a final that delivered everything expected of a gold-medal showdown, the USA edged hosts Canada 77–76 on Saturday, 19 September, to claim the Ottawa 2026 IWBF Women’s World Championship title.
The triumph in the Canadian capital secured the USA’s third world title and ended a 16-year wait since their previous victory in 2010. For Canada, the silver medal marked a return to the World Championship podium after missing out at the previous two editions.
A packed TD Place crowd witnessed a dramatic contest featuring several lead changes and a decisive free throw in the closing seconds.
After trailing during the first half, the USA moved ahead in the third quarter. With two minutes remaining and the Americans holding a six-point advantage, the title appeared to be heading their way.
Canada refused to surrender. Kady Dandeneau scored six consecutive points to complete a rapid comeback and tie the game at 76–76 with 39 seconds remaining.
The tension continued on the next possession. Ixhelt Gonzalez was unable to convert before Courtney Ryan also missed, but Ryan collected her own rebound and drew a foul with 20 seconds left. She missed her first free throw but made the second, giving the USA a one-point lead.
Canada still had an opportunity to win the title on the final possession. Élodie Tessier received the ball under pressure near the basket but was unable to convert the lay-up, allowing the USA to celebrate a dramatic world-title victory.
Dandeneau led all scorers with 34 points and added 13 rebounds. Aarin Young recorded a triple-double for Canada with 30 points, 10 rebounds and 12 assists.
Lindsey Zurbrugg led the USA with 26 points, while three teammates also reached double figures. Courtney Ryan and Rose Marie Hollermann scored 17 points each, with Gonzalez contributing 15.
Gold-medal result
USA 77–76 Canada
The full schedule, results, team rosters and live statistics are available through the official Ottawa 2026 competition pages. All Round of 16 games can also be watched live on the IWBF and Wheelchair Basketball Canada YouTube channels.
