Türkiye, the current European champions, secured the final quarterfinal berth at the 2025 FIVB Volleyball Women`s World Championship on Monday. The team aims to clinch its first-ever title in this prestigious tournament.
Despite being ranked fifth globally by FIVB, Türkiye faced significant challenges in the first and third sets against the 20th-ranked newcomers, Slovenia. However, the Turkish squad demonstrated resilience, ultimately securing a 3-0 (30-28, 25-13, 29-27) victory in Bangkok to advance from the Round of 16.
Maintaining an unbeaten record throughout their first four matches in Thailand, Türkiye is now preparing to compete against the United States. The American team also secured a dominant 3-0 (25-18, 25-21, 25-21) win against Canada earlier on Monday in Bangkok, also advancing from their Round of 16 clash.
Melissa Vargas, Türkiye`s prolific scorer, delivered a standout performance in what was arguably their most crucial match to date, leading her team with a remarkable 20 points (19 kills, one block). Captain Eda Erdem, playing as middle blocker, also made a significant impact, adding 17 points from 12 kills, two blocks, and three aces, including the decisive point.
Middle blocker Zehra Güneş commented on the intensity of the match: “It was extremely challenging. Slovenia battled for every single point and demonstrated exceptional defensive skills. Both teams showed immense fighting spirit, especially towards the end of the third set, and I am incredibly proud that we secured our place. We now face another tough opponent in the United States, and my hope is that we can maintain this level of play to achieve our ultimate goal: returning home with the gold medal.”
For Slovenia, outside hitter Fatoumatta Sillah was a key performer in their final match of their inaugural World Championship, tallying 15 points (12 kills, two aces, one block) against Türkiye. Opposite Evá Zatkovič also had a strong finish, matching Sillah`s offensive output with 14 kills and one block.
Lorena Lorber Fijok, another outside hitter for Slovenia, reflected on their performance: “These are the kinds of matches we train and play for. We really put pressure on Türkiye in the first and third sets, and while the immediate feeling is bittersweet, we`ve grown significantly throughout this tournament and still have ample room for development. We demonstrated our current capabilities and the vast potential we possess. Participating on such a grand stage was an incredible opportunity and a testament to all our hard work over recent years.”
Türkiye executed a remarkably disciplined game against Slovenia, committing only 16 errors compared to their opponents` 20. The European champions also outperformed Slovenia in key statistical categories: 47 kills to 42, ten blocks to seven, and seven aces to three, securing their consecutive advancement to the quarterfinals.
Upcoming Quarterfinal Schedule
With only eight national teams remaining, the World Championship now moves into its quarterfinal stage. The action begins on Wednesday with the Netherlands facing Japan at 17:00 local time (10:00 GMT), followed by Italy against Poland at 20:30 (13:30 GMT). Thursday`s matches will see Brazil take on France at 17:00 (10:00 GMT), culminating in a highly anticipated clash between the United States and Türkiye at 20:30 (13:30 GMT).
Oliver Wrenwick 
Finley Blackwood