A'ja Wilson, Kelsey Plum Out of FIBA World Cup for Health Reasons, USA's Updated Roster Revealed

USA Basketball announced Monday that Las Vegas Aces center A'ja Wilson and Phoenix Mercury guard Kelsey Plum won't compete in the 2026 FIBA Women's World Cup due to health reasons.

The Washington Mystics' Sonia Citron and Kiki Iriafen will fill the two open spots in the 12-player squad.

Wilson is a significant loss. She's headed in all likelihood toward her fifth WNBA MVP, having averaged 26.0 points, 9.4 rebounds and 2.0 blocks through 37 games with Las Vegas.

The 30-year-old has been a standout performer for the national team as well. She was the MVP of the 2022 World Cup and 2024 Summer Olympics as the United States captured gold in both events.

Plum has battled injuries throughout the 2026 season and had to adjust to a new setting following her trade from the Los Angeles Sparks. She averaged 21.5 points and 5.4 assists in 17 appearances, with the Mercury confirming she's shut down for the remainder of the year.

Wilson and Plum's exits provide a silver lining as Citron and Iriafen are two young stars who could contribute to Team USA for many years ahead. They're both two-time All-Stars and have played critical roles in clinching Washington's first playoff berth since 2023.

It was only a matter of time before Citron and Iriafen represented the U.S. in a major tournament, so Monday's news hastened the inevitable.

Despite missing Wilson and Plum, the United States will still head into the World Cup as the favorite. It boasts more talent than any other country with a roster headlined by Paige Bueckers, Napheesa Collier and Caitlin Clark.

Team USA will tip off the tournament Friday against China.