Chinese basketball star Li Yueru of the WNBA's Dallas Wings will miss the 2026 FIBA Women's World Cup in Berlin after her passport was lost in the post and could not be recovered in time. The 6ft 7in centre, who was China's top scorer at the 2024 Paris Olympics, confirmed on Instagram that she will not feature in the tournament, calling it a significant blow despite efforts by her team to find a solution.

Li said she and those around her had "worked hard together and explored every possible solution" but had run out of luck, with the passport still missing as of her post. She struck a philosophical tone, saying disappointment is "simply part of life" while thanking supporters of Chinese women's basketball. Her absence is a boost for rival nations, including the United States, and she is next expected to play competitively when the Dallas Wings face the Los Angeles Sparks on 17 September.