Already eliminated, the Caribbean team secured their inaugural victory in the tournament.
The three-time world champions, Cuba, concluded their participation in the 2025 FIVB Volleyball Women’s World Championship on a positive note, securing a convincing victory against tournament newcomers Slovakia in their final match held in Phuket on Tuesday.
Both the Cuban and Slovakian teams had already been eliminated from contention for the elimination rounds before stepping onto the court in Thailand. Nevertheless, both squads were eager to clinch their first win of the tournament before heading home. It was the Caribbean team that ultimately prevailed in a thrilling encounter, securing a 3-1 victory with set scores of 27-25, 25-21, 22-25, and 26-24.
This hard-fought win earned Cuba their first three points in the championship, positioning them in third place within Pool B. Slovakia, making their debut appearance at the World Championship, finished fourth in the group without any points.
Earlier on Tuesday, reigning Olympic champions Italy demonstrated their dominance by dropping only one set en route to a 3-1 victory (25-16, 25-16, 21-25, 25-18) over Belgium. This win solidified Italy`s top position in Pool B, while Belgium also advanced to the Round of 16 as the second-place team.
Cuba`s offensive efforts were spearheaded by outside hitter Evilania Martinez, who notched an impressive 20 points, comprising 19 kills and one block. Contributions also came from middle blockers Laura Suárez (17 points) and Dayana Martínez (11 points), opposite Dezirett Madan (14 points), and outside hitter Whitney James (13 points), all reaching double-digit scores in Cuba`s closing match.
“We approached today’s match with immense confidence in our continuous hard work and the ongoing development of our team. We were fully committed to securing this victory. I believe the team displayed a remarkably different attitude today, and I am delighted that it led us to the win,” analyzed Laura Suárez.
For Slovakia, outside hitter Zuzana Šepeľová was the match`s top scorer, delivering a powerful performance with 25 points (22 kills, two blocks, and one ace). Teammates Karolína Fričová contributed 15 points, and Simona Jelínková added 12 points, showcasing strong individual efforts in their team’s final game in Thailand.
Cuba’s narrow victory was built primarily on their strength at the net, where they surpassed Slovakia in both kills (63 to 58) and blocks (12 to 11). While the Europeans managed more aces (six to five), both teams committed 25 unforced errors.
Oliver Wrenwick 
Jasper Thornfield