WNBA player Li Yueru, a prominent center for the Dallas Wings and the Chinese national team, has confirmed she will not compete in the 2026 FIBA Women’s World Cup in Berlin. The reason for her unexpected withdrawal stems from her passport going missing while in the mail, an unforeseen circumstance that has disrupted her international competition plans.
Passport Disappearance Thwarts World Cup Participation
The 6-foot-7 center, who notably led the Chinese national team in scoring during the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, shared the unfortunate news regarding her absence from the upcoming tournament. Li Yueru expressed her disappointment on her Instagram story, detailing the situation.
"Unfortunately, my passport was lost in the mail and still hasn't been found," she wrote. "Throughout this time, we've all been working hard together and exploring every possible solution, but maybe we were just a little short on luck this time. As of today, the passport is still missing."
The loss of such a crucial travel document has effectively prevented her from joining her national team for the prestigious global event.
A Gracious Response to Setback
Despite the significant setback, Li Yueru conveyed a message of resilience and gratitude. She acknowledged the disappointment but also highlighted the support she has received throughout this challenging period.
"Sometimes, disappointment is simply part of life," the WNBA star stated. "I'm sad that I won't be able to be there this time, but I'm incredibly grateful for everyone who has supported me and continues to support Chinese women's basketball."
Her absence from the FIBA World Cup means that her next competitive appearance on the court is now scheduled for September 17. On this date, the Dallas Wings are set to resume their season with a game against the Los Angeles Sparks.
