Dallas Wings center Li Yueru will be unable to compete in the 2026 FIBA Women's World Cup in Berlin after her passport was lost in the mail, she announced on Instagram.
Li, who represented China at the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris and led her team in scoring, shared that despite extensive efforts to locate the document, it has not been found.
"Unfortunately, my passport was lost in the mail and still hasn't been found," Li wrote on her Instagram story. "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 her passport means Li will not be included on the Chinese national team's roster for the upcoming tournament.
Despite the disappointment, Li expressed understanding and gratitude. "Sometimes, disappointment is simply part of life," she 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."
Li's next scheduled game for the Dallas Wings is set for September 17, when the team faces the Los Angeles Sparks.