Li Yueru to miss World Cup after passport lost

Dallas Wings center Li Yueru will miss the FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup in Berlin after her passport was lost in the mail and could not be recovered before the registration deadline. The Chinese Basketball Association confirmed the passport issue, meaning Li cannot travel to Germany for China’s opener against the United States. China will still compete at the tournament, but will be without one of its WNBA players and a key bench option. Li posted a message expressing disappointment but gratitude for support, noting she joined the Dallas Wings in 2025 and previously starred for China at the Paris Olympics in 2024. The World Cup starts this week with the U.S. facing China in the opening game, and Li’s absence leaves a notable gap for Team China. Li joins a list of prominent players who will be miss this tournament due to passport issues affecting travel logistics.