Dallas Wings center Li Yueru will miss the FIBA Women’s World Cup in Berlin after her replacement passport was lost in the mail. Despite multi-party search efforts, the document remained unfound by the registration deadline, keeping the post player off China’s roster for the tournament starting Friday.
An administrative mishap involving the international postal system has derailed China’s roster plans ahead of the international showcase. The unexpected setback means the national team must navigate a demanding Group D schedule without one of its international contributors.
How a Lost Document Ended Li Yueru’s World Cup Bid
The ordeal began when Li Yueru’s replacement passport was misplaced in the mail while being sent from the United States. According to Team China, federation officials coordinated multi-party searches and explored various remedial solutions. Yet, the essential travel document remained missing by the official tournament registration deadline, creating what the team characterized as an unexpected incident
that forced her withdrawal from the roster.
Li addressed her absence in a statement posted to social media, expressing disappointment while emphasizing her enduring ties to the national program. 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.
“Thank you to everyone who has been thinking of me and checking in on me. Over the past few years, I’ve maintained a great relationship with the Chinese Basketball Association and the national team. They have always been a strong source of support throughout my career overseas.”
Li Yueru, Dallas Wings center
Roster Adjustments for Team China in Berlin
The FIBA Women’s World Cup runs from September 4 through September 13 in Berlin, Germany, featuring 16 national teams split into four groups. China landed in Group D alongside Czechia, Italy, and defending champion the United States. Group winners advance directly to the quarterfinals, while second- and third-place finishers enter a qualification round for the remaining spots.
To compensate for Li’s absence in the frontcourt, the coaching staff named a roster anchored by WNBA-based center Han Xu and Zhang Ziyu. Alongside Han and Zhang, the squad includes Chen Mingling, Chen Yujie, Jia Saiqi, Li Yuan, Luo Xinyu, Sun Yu, Tang Ziting, Wang Siyu, Yang Shuyu, and Zhang Manman.
Immediate Test Against the United States
China opens its campaign on Friday with a matchup against the United States. The fixture serves as a direct rematch of the 2022 World Cup final, where the U.S. captured the title 83-61 and China claimed the silver medal, tying its best result in the championship. Only Han Xu and backcourt duo Wang Siyu and Li Yuan return from that silver-winning squad for this tournament.
Losing Li Yueru removes a major offensive and defensive pillar. During the 2024 Paris Olympics, she led China in scoring, highlighted by a 31-point performance against Spain. However, the team still boasts height in the paint with the 6-foot-10 Han Xu and the 7-foot-3 Zhang Ziyu.
WNBA Context and the Road Ahead
The passport mishap interrupts a busy professional stretch for the 27-year-old center. After beginning her WNBA career with the Chicago Sky in 2022 and subsequent stints with the Los Angeles Sparks and Seattle Storm, Dallas traded for Li in June 2025. She recently accepted a reserved qualifying offer from the Wings and appeared in 29 games this season.
While Li watches the tournament from afar, the Dallas Wings sit fourth in the Western Conference with a 24-16 record, having secured their first playoff berth since 2023. The team returns to WNBA action on September 17 against the Los Angeles Sparks at College Park Center, while Li looks toward future international windows with a positive outlook.
“Sometimes, disappointment is simply part of life. 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. Thank you for all the love and support. See you on the world stage next time!”
Li Yueru, Dallas Wings center
