A’ja Wilson and Kelsey Plum to miss 2026 FIBA Women’s World Cup
USA Basketball announced that A’ja Wilson and Kelsey Plum will not play in the 2026 FIBA Women’s World Cup in Berlin, a significant loss for the national team.
Team USA will travel to Berlin for the 2026 FIBA Women’s World Cup without two of the WNBA’s most prominent stars. USA Basketball confirmed on Monday that A’ja Wilson and Kelsey Plum will not be part of the roster for the international tournament, a significant blow to the Americans’ bid for another title.
Wilson, a two-time WNBA MVP and the reigning league scoring champion, has been the cornerstone of the U.S. women’s program in recent years. Her dominance in the paint and shot-blocking ability made her a central figure in the team’s gold-medal run at the Paris Olympics. Plum, a dynamic guard known for her scoring punch and playmaking, has also been a regular contributor for the national team since her breakout performances in international competition.
The announcement comes as the U.S. prepares for a tournament that will feature the world’s top basketball nations. The 2026 World Cup, scheduled to take place in the German capital, will be a key test for a squad that has long been the standard-bearer in women’s basketball. Without Wilson and Plum, head coach Cheryl Reeve will need to reshape the rotation and rely on younger or less experienced players to fill the void.
USA Basketball did not specify the reasons for the absences, but the timing suggests that player workload and recovery may have played a role. The WNBA season runs through the fall, and many top players have voiced concerns about the physical toll of year-round competition. Wilson, in particular, has carried a heavy minutes load for the Las Vegas Aces, while Plum has also logged extensive playing time in recent seasons.
The absence of the two stars will likely open the door for other players to step into larger roles. The U.S. roster still features considerable depth, with several All-Stars and rising talents expected to compete for spots. However, replacing Wilson’s production in the post and Plum’s perimeter scoring will be a challenge for a team that has grown accustomed to their contributions in high-stakes games.
The World Cup represents a major milestone on the road to the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, where the U.S. will aim to extend its remarkable streak of gold medals. For now, the focus shifts to how the team adapts without two of its most reliable performers. The tournament in Berlin will offer an early look at the next generation of American stars as they attempt to maintain the program’s winning tradition.
