Dallas Wings center Li Yueru will miss China’s campaign at the 2026 FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup after her replacement passport was lost in the mail, preventing her from traveling to Germany in time for the tournament.
Li confirmed the situation on social media, saying her passport remains missing despite efforts to resolve the issue. Her agent also confirmed that she will not be permitted to travel outside the United States, meaning she cannot join China for the World Cup.
The tournament is taking place in Berlin, with China scheduled to begin its Group D campaign against the United States on Friday. China will then face Czechia on Sunday before meeting Italy on Monday.
Why Li Yueru Is Missing the World Cup
The Li Yueru passport lost mail issue began when her replacement passport failed to arrive. Despite attempts by Li, her representatives and others involved to find a solution, the document could not be recovered or replaced in time.
Li expressed her disappointment while emphasizing how much representing China means to her. She also thanked fans and supporters who reached out after learning that she would miss the tournament.
The 27-year-old has been an important player for the Chinese national team and has developed a strong relationship with the Chinese Basketball Association throughout her international career.
Li Yueru’s Importance to China
Li Yueru’s absence represents a major setback for China because of her experience and production at international competitions.
At the 2024 Paris Olympics, Li was China’s leading scorer, averaging 17.7 points per game. She also led the entire Olympic tournament in rebounding, averaging 11 boards per contest.
Her combination of size, scoring and international experience would have provided China with an important interior presence against the tournament’s top teams.
China Still Has Plenty of Size
China will still have significant size in its frontcourt despite Li’s absence.
New York Liberty center Han Xu is available, while 19-year-old Zhang Ziyu provides an imposing 7-foot-3 presence. However, Zhang has far less experience at the international level than Li.
That difference could become especially important when China faces the United States in its opening game.
Li Yueru Returns Focus to the WNBA
With her World Cup hopes over, Li Yueru will turn her attention back to the Dallas Wings and the remainder of the WNBA season.
Dallas has already secured a playoff spot and is now competing for favorable postseason seeding. Li has primarily played a reserve role this season, averaging 3.3 points and 2.6 rebounds in 10.3 minutes per game.
Li entered the WNBA with the Chicago Sky in 2022. She later played for the Los Angeles Sparks and Seattle Storm before joining the Dallas Wings in 2025.
A Frustrating Blow for Li Yueru and China
Missing the FIBA World Cup because of a passport lost in the mail is an unusual and particularly frustrating setback for Li Yueru.
She had been excited about returning to the Chinese national team, but the passport problem has left her unable to travel outside the United States.
China will now have to move forward without one of its most experienced centers. Meanwhile, Li will focus on helping the Dallas Wings during their WNBA playoff push.
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