Australian forward Alanna Smith’s ongoing injury struggles have persisted into the 2026 FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup, forcing her to miss the remainder of the tournament.
Smith, Dallas Wings star and the reigning WNBA Co-Defensive Player of the Year, will sit out the remainder of the FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup
due to a lower-leg injury and be sidelined to focus on rehabilitation, the team announced Wednesday, Sept. 9.In her sole Group Stage appearance against Puerto Rico, Smith's performance helped Australia claim the 70-54 victory, contributing 10 points and eight rebounds in just 12 minutes on the court. However, her night was cut short after she limped off the court following the injury and did not return to finish the game.
There
is currently no official timeline for Smith's return.
Earlier in the 2026 WNBA season, Smith faced a series of setbacks with the Wings, a stint in concussion protocol in June, followed by a right leg injury that sidelined her for several games in July.
Despite her injury struggles, Smith has averaged 6 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 1 assist per game for the Wings this season.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Australia's and Wings' Alanna Smith out of Women's World Cup with injury
