Thailand, the reigning Asian champions, have secured their participation in the Volleyball Nations League (VNL) in 2026. They concluded this year`s tournament in 17th place, successfully avoiding the bottom of the standings and thus escaping relegation.
Facing Canada in Arlington on Sunday in their final Preliminary Phase match, Thailand seized their last opportunity to remain in the elite of international volleyball. Despite a 3-2 defeat (17-25, 25-23, 30-28, 23-25, 15-13), they achieved their objective by winning the required two sets, which earned them a crucial point.
Thailand started Sunday in 18th place with just one win and five points. However, their fate for staying in the VNL elite was entirely in their hands. With the same number of victories and points as their Asian rivals Korea, winning at least two sets against Canada would guarantee their safety by earning them one point.
The Thais began strongly, winning the first set convincingly. However, Canada responded by winning the next two crucial sets. Thailand fought back to take the fourth set, securing their needed points and sending Korea into the relegation zone, before ultimately losing the tight tie-breaker.
Team captain Ajcharaporn Kongyot delivered a stellar performance when her team needed it most, scoring an impressive 27 points (26 kills, 1 ace). Opposite hitter Pimpichaya Kokram also made a significant contribution with 23 points, all from kills.
We knew what we needed to accomplish today, and we were determined to do it for our team and our fans. I`m incredibly proud of our team. Despite facing significant challenges and adversity this season, including injuries, we still achieved our goal of staying in the VNL.
— Ajcharaporn Kongyot
For Canada, who finished the VNL 2025 in 16th place with three wins and ten points, outside hitter Hilary Johnson led their scoring with 25 points (22 kills, 2 blocks, 1 ace). Middle blocker Emily Maglio was also effective, contributing 19 points (10 kills, 8 blocks, 1 ace).
It feels wonderful to conclude with a victory. We worked incredibly hard but struggled to secure wins, so finishing like this is fantastic. I`m very proud of my team. We`ll take a short break, then return to training with more players, striving to continue our improvement.
— Hilary Johnson
Korea, who participated in all seven previous VNL editions with a best finish of 12th in 2018, are relegated. They will be replaced in the VNL 2026 by the highest-ranked national team in the FIVB Volleyball Ranking at the end of the 2025 VNL season that did not compete this year.
Earlier on Sunday, Germany defeated the Dominican Republic 3-1 (25-20, 25-13, 21-25, 25-21). The final match of the week at the College Park Center featured host nation the United States facing China, scheduled to begin at 19:00 local time (00:00 GMT).
Jasper Thornfield