A’ja Wilson and Kelsey Plum will not be taking part in the FIBA Women’s World Cup. USA Basketball cited “health reasons” for why they are no longer able to compete.
In place of the two, the Washington Mystics’ Kiki Iriafen and Sonia Citron have been named to the roster. This lineup change has led to the women’s basketball world erupting in disapproval, as they are left stunned by the news that Wilson pulled out of the roster at the last moment.
WNBA World Goes Off As A’ja Wilson, Kelsey Plum Withdraw From USA Roster
Plum appeared in merely five games for the Phoenix Mercury after being traded there before being ruled out for the remainder of the season due to a lower leg injury.
Wilson, on the other hand, dropped 27 points on 10-17 shooting against the Toronto Tempo two nights ago. Upon hearing that Wilson was being replaced, the WNBA world was clearly unhappy.
“A’ja playing chess here. All her matchups in the playoffs will end up playing a bigger role and more miles on their legs for the playoffs. 1000 IQ move,” claimed one WNBA commentator.
A’ja playing chess here
All her matchups in the playoffs will end up playing a bigger role and more miles on their legs for the playoffs
1000iq move https://t.co/qXISEPz1GY
— Mick (@DBGyt_) August 31, 2026
The USA roster is littered with top-level talent from WNBA teams that are jockeying for position in the upcoming WNBA playoffs. This includes stars such as Paige Bueckers, Caitlin Clark, and Angel Reese, who are all floating around the Aces in the standings.
One fan kept it simple, saying, “Whoa.”
“Great for Soni and Kiki tho. So, France has a chance to win after all, ‘cus A’ja has always been the top nemesis for them,” said another fan as they shared their concerns about Team USA’s chances without the Aces star.
Damn!
Great for Soni and Kiki tho.
So France has a chance to win afterall, cus A’ja has always been the top nemesis for them. https://t.co/CV2xE7T9FE
— Noor! (@TheMorenikeji) August 31, 2026
Wilson dropped 21 points, 13 rebounds, and 4 blocks against France in the 2024 Paris Olympics Gold Medal Game to secure gold for Team USA. So, it would be understandable if France breathes a sigh of relief knowing perhaps the best player in the world isn’t suiting up.
Another X user broke down who is next in line in the frontcourt for USA to carry a massive burden, saying, “Looks like Angel Reese just became the most important post player for Team USA in Berlin with news that Aces star A’ja Wilson is out for health reasons.”
“A’ja Wilson (back hurts from carrying the team) – DTD,” said one sarcastic fan.
A’ja Wilson (back hurts from carrying the team) – DTD https://t.co/m8H3cTJfkk
— Cousin Larry OB ☘️🏆 (@AndrewDoxy) August 31, 2026
A Fever fan, went off on Wilson, saying, “Let’s go Sonia Citron and Kiki Iriafen. Should have called Kelsey Mitchell, but I digress. A’ja Wilson such a fraud.”
Let’s go Sonia Citron and Kiki Iriafen. Should have called Kelsey Mitchell, but I digress. A’ja Wilson such a fraud. https://t.co/ut88iz1yhd
— Jaime Lardis (@JaimeLardis) August 31, 2026
The four-time MVP’s health being cited as a reason for why she’s not suiting up has certainly raised eyebrows. She only missed one game in August (the second night of a back-to-back for rest) and was listed as questionable on August 23 vs the Tempo, but she played through her back issues.
This change in lineup shouldn’t take away from Citron and Iriafen’s performances. The two young stars have made the All-Star game every single season they’ve been in the league and rightfully so.
Prior to the news, Sue Bird, the managing director of USA Basketball Women’s National Team, said, “I wanted to have a mixture of people with experience, a good mixture of people with youth. That sets us up for the future, as well. But also, a team that complements each other and can go on the court and win gold. That is always the north star in all of these decisions that I’ve made.”
While losing two veteran All-WNBA talents such as Wilson and Plum hurts, inserting youthful star power like Iriafen and Citron into the mix certainly aligns with Bird’s initial mission.
Team USA kicks off its FIBA play on Friday, Sept. 4 at 8:15 a.m. ET against China in Group D.
