Li Yueru, the center for the Dallas Wings, will be absent from the upcoming 2026 FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup due to an unfortunate incident involving her passport. The 27-year-old athlete revealed on Instagram that her passport was lost in the mail, making it impossible for her to travel and represent China in the tournament.
This news arrived just days ahead of China’s opening match against USA Basketball in Berlin, adding a significant blow to the team’s preparations. Li expressed her disappointment candidly, acknowledging the collective effort to find a solution but conceding that luck was not on their side.
Li Yueru Disappointed After Passport Lost in Mail
“We’ve all been working hard together and exploring every possible solution, but maybe we were just a little short on luck this time,” she wrote. “Sometimes, disappointment is simply part of life. I’m sad that I won’t be able to be there this time.”
The timing of this setback is particularly disheartening given Li’s recent impressive performances with the national team. Her absence will be felt keenly as China faces stiff competition, especially in their immediate challenge against the United States.