The 20th edition of the FIVB Women`s Volleyball World Championship officially commenced on Friday, August 22, in Thailand. Thirty-two national teams are participating, grouped into eight pools of four, with the top two from each pool advancing to the knockout rounds. The championship is set to culminate in Bangkok on September 7, promising weeks of intense competition.
European Teams Make Strong Start
Europe boasts the largest representation with 16 teams. Among the strong contenders are defending champions Serbia, who seek their third consecutive title, and Türkiye, fresh off their European Championship victory, aiming for a maiden world medal. Italy, the 2002 champions and recent Nations League winners, also arrive with high expectations. The opening day already foreshadowed an intense competition, highlighting the demanding nature of the tournament.
Pool A: Netherlands Edges Sweden, Thailand Dominates Egypt
Several European teams faced off early in the tournament. In Pool A, held in Bangkok, the Netherlands, Sweden, Thailand, and Egypt competed. The Netherlands secured a hard-fought five-set victory against Sweden in the day`s only all-European encounter. Sweden`s Isabelle Haak delivered an outstanding performance, scoring a tournament-high 32 points, stealing the spotlight despite her team`s loss. In the group’s other match, host nation Thailand started strongly, defeating Egypt in four sets.
Pool B: Italy and Belgium Secure Straight-Set Wins
Phuket`s Pool B saw European powerhouses Italy and Belgium begin their campaigns with commanding straight-set victories. Belgium efficiently overcame Cuba, led by Britt Lemmens` 12 points. Italy, with Paola Egonu contributing 15 points, secured a dominant victory over Slovakia, showcasing Egonu`s potential as a top scorer for the tournament.
Pool C: France Returns with a Win, Brazil Strong
Chiang Mai hosted Pool C, which included France and Greece. France made a successful return to the World Championship, defeating Puerto Rico in four sets, powered by Ndiaye`s 22 points. Brazil dominated Greece, winning in straight sets, though both Brazil`s Gabi and Greece`s Anthouli demonstrated impressive offensive skills, each tallying 18 points despite the different match outcomes.
Pool D: Argentina Surprises Czechia, USA Victorious
Nakhon Ratchasima`s Pool D witnessed Czechia squander an early advantage against Argentina, eventually losing in four sets. Opposite spiker Bianca Cugno delivered a stellar performance for Argentina, scoring 25 points, the best mark in the pool. Reigning champions USA also began their title defense with a four-set victory, overcoming tournament debutants Slovenia.
Opening Day Match Results
| Pool | Match | Score | Set Scores |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pool A | Netherlands vs Sweden | 3–2 | (25–27, 25–11, 25–21, 21–25, 15–9) |
| Thailand vs Egypt | 3–1 | (25–15, 23–25, 25–15, 25–12) | |
| Pool B | Belgium vs Cuba | 3–0 | (25–23, 25–14, 25–11) |
| Italy vs Slovakia | 3–0 | (25–20, 25–14, 25–17) | |
| Pool C | France vs Puerto Rico | 3–1 | (25–22, 25–18, 21–25, 25–14) |
| Brazil vs Greece | 3–0 | (25–18, 25–16, 25–16) | |
| Pool D | Argentina vs Czechia | 3–1 | (18–25, 25–23, 25–17, 26–24) |
| USA vs Slovenia | 3–1 | (25–23, 17–25, 25–22, 25–14) |
Jasper Thornfield 
Finley Blackwood