Kelsey Plum, A’ja Wilson Withdraw from FIBA Women’s World Cup
PUBLISHED Aug 31, 2026, 11:55 AM ET
USA Basketball announced that Las Vegas Aces center Aja Wilson and Phoenix Mercury guard Kelsey Plum withdrew from the upcoming FIBA Womens World Cup in Berlin due to health reasons. Wilson, a four-time WNBA MVP, recently managed back and leg injuries despite continuing to play for the Aces. Plum confirmed she will miss the remainder of the WNBA season to recover from a lower leg injury sustained during league play. Washington Mystics guards Sonia Citron and Kiki Iriafen will replace them on the twelve-player roster. Iriafen ranks fourth in league rebounding while averaging fifteen points, and Citron earns her first senior national team tournament selection. Head coach Kara Lawson will address media before the tournament opener against China on Friday. The roster changes present significant leadership and production challenges for Team USA as they pursue gold without two of their most decorated international veterans.
By Daniel Hayes | JQJO News
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USA Basketball announced player withdrawals and roster replacements on Monday. https://www.usab.com/news/2026/08/wilson-plum-withdraw-fiba-world-cup
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Kelsey Plum, A’ja Wilson Withdraw from FIBA Women’s World Cup
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