Turkey Starts Strong with a Commanding Win
The reigning European champions, Turkey, began their 2025 Women`s Volleyball World Championship journey impressively on Saturday, securing a decisive victory against their European counterparts, Spain, in Pool E. Competing in Nakhon Ratchasima, coach Daniele Santarelli`s squad controlled the initial two sets and pushed through a tight third set, ultimately defeating Spain 3-0 (25-18, 25-20, 25-23) to earn their first three points of the tournament.
Canada Secures Crucial Victory Against Bulgaria
Also making a winning debut in Nakhon Ratchasima, Canada triumphed over Bulgaria with a 3-1 score (25-23, 25-18, 23-25, 25-18). This match could prove vital in determining which teams advance to the next round. Outside hitter Andrea Mitrovic was a standout offensive player for the Canadians, leading the team with 17 points (16 kills, one ace). Middle blocker Nyadholi Thokbuom and opposite Anna Smrek also performed exceptionally, contributing 15 and 12 points respectively.
China Avoids Upset with Comeback Win Over Mexico
In Chiang Mai on Saturday, China narrowly averted a disappointing start to their 2025 Women`s Volleyball World Championship campaign by rallying to defeat Mexico. As the top-ranked team in Pool F, the Asian powerhouse dropped the first set of their opening match but demonstrated remarkable resilience to recover, ultimately securing a 3-1 victory (22-25, 26-24, 25-10, 25-18) and earning valuable points.
Dominican Republic Begins Tournament with a Victory
In another Pool F match held in Chiang Mai, the Dominican Republic also secured three points by decisively beating Colombia 3-0 (25-15, 25-18, 25-13). Team captain and outside hitter Brayelin Martínez led all scorers with an impressive 20 points (17 kills, three blocks), closely followed by opposite Gaila González, who contributed 17 points with 11 kills, four aces, and two blocks.
Serbia Begins Title Defense Successfully
Two-time defending champions, Serbia, commenced their title defense on a strong note, sweeping Ukraine on Saturday in their opening match of the 2025 tournament. Playing in Thailand`s capital, Bangkok, the European team delivered a consistently powerful performance, dominating their European rivals Ukraine with a 3-0 victory (25-21, 25-19, 25-17) on the first day of Pool H matches.
Japan Kicks Off Strong in Pool H
Also aiming for a medal in Thailand, Asian powerhouse Japan made a robust start to their campaign in Bangkok, defeating Cameroon 3-0 (25-21, 25-17, 25-19) in their first Pool H match. Young opposite Miku Akimoto spearheaded the Japanese offense in her debut, with the 19-year-old hitter accumulating 18 points from 11 kills, four aces, and one block. Team captain and outside hitter Mayu Ishikawa added 11 points, comprising nine kills and two aces.
Stysiak`s 29 Points Lead Poland Past Vietnam in Debut
After an initial setback in the first set, Poland found their rhythm to achieve a successful debut at the 2025 Women`s Volleyball World Championship on Saturday in Phuket. They overcame a determined Vietnam team in the final match of the day. Ranked third in the world, the European side was surprised by 22nd-ranked Vietnam in the opening set but quickly regained control, triumphing 3-1 (23-25, 25-10, 25-12, 25-22) and securing all three points in their first Pool G encounter.
Germany Achieves Straight-Set Victory Against Kenya
Fellow European team Germany also had a solid start to their Pool G campaign on Saturday in Phuket, overpowering African champions Kenya with a straight-set victory of 3-0 (25-22, 25-8, 25-20). Lina Alsmeier and Emilia Weske were Germany’s top scorers, each contributing 13 points. Alsmeier achieved her total with 12 kills and one ace, while Weske registered 11 kills and two blocks.
Oliver Wrenwick 
Finley Blackwood