US stars A’ja Wilson and Kelsey Plum to miss the FIBA Women’s World Cup

Aja Wilson and Kelsey Plum will miss the FIBA Women’s World Cup due to health issues and will be replaced by Washington teammates Kiki Iriafen and Sonia Citron, according to USA Basketball's announcement on Monday. Wilson, a four-time WNBA MVP, has been carrying a heavy workload for the Las Vegas Aces, and needs to rest and prepare for the playoffs.

She previously won the most outstanding player awards at the 2024 Paris Olympics and the 2022 World Cup. Plum has been battling a calf injury throughout the WNBA season, which has yet to fully heal. She played a key role in the gold-medal game against France during the 2022 Paris Games. Iriafen and Citron, both part of the U.S. camps for winter training, will make their national team debuts in Germany.

The U.S. Women’s team has consistently won the World Cup since 2006, with their last loss to Russia in the semifinals in 2006. Without Wilson and Plum, the U.S. will heavily rely on its young talent. Caitlin Clark, Angel Reese, Paige Bueckers, and Olympic medalists Breanna Stewart, Napheesa Collier, Chelsea Gray, Jackie Young, Kahleah Copper, Rhyne Howard, and Aliyah Boston will make their World Cup debuts.

The U.S. will face China in their opening match on Friday. China boasts a formidable front line with 7-foot-3 Zhang Ziyu, 6-10 Han Xu, and 6-7 Li Yueru. These two teams previously contested the World Cup title in 2022 in Australia.