Team USA Hit by Double Mega-Blow Right Before FIBA World Cup Opener
PUBLISHED Sep 3, 2026, 4:30 PM ET
Team USA has experienced significant roster adjustments ahead of the FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup in Berlin, following the withdrawals of standout players A'ja Wilson and Kelsey Plum due to health and injury concerns. Wilson opted out following an extensive workload with the WNBA's Las Vegas Aces, while Plum sustained a lower-leg injury. In response, USA Basketball selected rising talents Sonia Citron and Kiki Iriafen to join the senior national team squad for their global championship debuts. Head coach Kara Lawson will rely on veteran core players such as Breanna Stewart and Napheesa Collier alongside emerging stars to maintain the program's competitive edge. The team is scheduled to begin group play against China in a high-profile matchup mirroring the 2022 tournament final. Program officials and sports analysts continue to monitor roster cohesion and preparation schedules as international competition gets underway in Germany amid high expectations for the American squad.
By Sarah Whitman | JQJO News
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Left: Highlighted player health management and demanding professional sports workloads. Center: Reported roster changes objectively focusing on player replacements and game schedules. Right: Emphasized competitive readiness and national team performance standards for tournament.
USA Basketball announced roster changes on September second twenty twenty-six. https://www.usab.com/news/2026/09/fiba-world-cup-roster-update
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A'ja Wilson, Kelsey Plum withdraw from Team USA World Cup roster
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