Passport mix-up sidelines Chinese star center ahead of USA World Cup clash

China’s preparation for its FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup debut against the United States has been hampered by a bureaucratic mishap. Dallas Wings center Li Yueru revealed that her passport disappeared in the mail, leaving her unable to fly from the U.S. to Berlin in time for the tournament. Despite attempts to locate the document or obtain emergency travel papers, the effort failed, forcing her out of the competition.

Li, a 27-year-old who posted strong numbers at the 2024 Paris Olympics, was slated to be China’s primary interior weapon. Her absence forces the Chinese coaching staff to reshuffle the lineup just days before facing a deep American frontcourt featuring stars such as Caitlin Clark and Breanna Stewart. The World Cup runs from Sept. 4-13 in Berlin, with games at Berlin Arena and Max-Schmeling-Halle.