Team USA will head into the 2026 FIBA Women’s World Cup without two of its most decorated stars, after A’ja Wilson and Kelsey Plum were ruled out for health reasons and replaced by Washington Mystics duo Kiki Iriafen and Sonia Citron.
What Happened?
USA Basketball announced on Monday that four-time WNBA MVP A’ja Wilson and Phoenix Mercury guard Kelsey Plum would not travel with the team to Berlin for the World Cup, which begins later this week. The pair are among the most accomplished players in the program’s recent history, with both having helped the United States win gold at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
In their place, Washington Mystics forward Kiki Iriafen and guard Sonia Citron were added to the 12-woman roster. Both are already with the team in Germany as it prepares for its opening group-phase game against China on Friday, and both will be making their senior global championship debuts.
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The reasoning behind the two absences differs. Plum has been managing a lower leg and calf injury for much of the WNBA season, limiting her to only a handful of appearances since being traded to the Phoenix Mercury. The Mercury separately confirmed she will miss the remainder of the 2026 WNBA season as well as the World Cup. Plum addressed the decision on social media, saying she had done everything possible to get back on the court but had run out of time.
Wilson’s situation is less clear-cut. She had appeared on the Las Vegas Aces’ injury report twice in the week before the announcement with a back issue, but had not missed a game, playing 30 minutes in the Aces’ most recent outing before the international break. A source close to the situation told ESPN that Wilson had not been fully healthy for some time and that there were concerns the World Cup’s demanding schedule could worsen the issue. Her withdrawal will allow her extra recovery time before the Aces resume their WNBA campaign on September 17.
Iriafen and Citron both featured in USA Basketball’s winter camps, though only Iriafen took part in the team’s World Cup qualifying tournament in Puerto Rico in March, with Citron missing that event due to injury. Their call-up means eight of the twelve players from that qualifying campaign are now part of the Berlin squad, including Paige Bueckers, Caitlin Clark, Kahleah Copper and Angel Reese.
Why It Matters
For Team USA, losing two Olympic gold medalists from the roster is a notable blow in terms of both talent and tournament experience, even though the squad remains widely regarded as the deepest in the competition.
For A’ja Wilson, sitting out gives her a chance to manage a nagging issue at a point in the season when the Las Vegas Aces, already missing forward NaLyssa Smith to a season-ending knee injury, need her at full strength for their playoff push.
For Kelsey Plum, the decision prioritizes long-term health over a short-term international commitment, with the Mercury explicitly framing the call as being in her best interest after a season disrupted by injury and a mid-season trade.
For Iriafen and Citron, the World Cup represents a major opportunity to establish themselves on the international stage and stake a claim for a longer-term role in the USA Basketball program, with the next Olympic cycle building toward the 2028 Los Angeles Games.
What Happens Next?
Team USA opens its FIBA Women’s World Cup campaign against China on Friday in Berlin, with the tournament running from September 4 to 13. Iriafen and Citron are expected to be integrated into coach Kara Lawson’s rotation alongside the core group that competed in the qualifying tournament. The United States has not lost a World Cup match since 2006 and remains the favorite to win the title despite the late roster adjustments.
Key Facts
- A’ja Wilson and Kelsey Plum will miss the 2026 FIBA Women’s World Cup for health reasons.
- Kiki Iriafen and Sonia Citron of the Washington Mystics have been added as their replacements.
- Plum will also miss the remainder of the 2026 WNBA season due to a lower leg injury.
- Wilson has been managing a back issue but did not miss any WNBA games before the announcement.
- The FIBA Women’s World Cup runs September 4-13 in Berlin, Germany.
- Team USA opens the tournament against China.
- The United States has not lost a World Cup game since 2006.
FAQ
Why are A’ja Wilson and Kelsey Plum missing the FIBA World Cup?
Both were ruled out for health reasons: Plum has a lower leg and calf injury that will also end her WNBA season early, while Wilson is managing a back issue and the team wanted to protect her ahead of a demanding tournament schedule.
Who is replacing A’ja Wilson and Kelsey Plum on Team USA?
Washington Mystics players Kiki Iriafen and Sonia Citron have been added to the roster, both set to make their senior World Cup debuts.
Is Kelsey Plum’s WNBA season over?
Yes, the Phoenix Mercury confirmed she will miss the remainder of the 2026 WNBA season due to her lower leg injury.
When does the FIBA Women’s World Cup start?
The tournament runs from September 4 to September 13 in Berlin, Germany, with Team USA opening against China.
Where can fans follow Team USA’s FIBA World Cup progress?
Coverage is available through USA Basketball’s official channels and major sports broadcasters carrying the tournament throughout its run in Berlin.
