Melissa Vargas`s exceptional 28-point performance propelled Türkiye to a stunning comeback victory over Japan, earning them a spot in their first-ever World Championship final.
Vargas` offensive power helped Türkiye have the edge in key moments of the match.
Türkiye made history at the 2025 FIVB Volleyball Women’s World Championship, securing their maiden podium finish by reaching the final in Thailand on Saturday.
Despite an initial setback against Japan in the semifinals, the reigning European champions staged a remarkable turnaround. Fueled by an outstanding display from star opposite Melissa Vargas, Türkiye triumphed 3-1 (16-25, 25-17, 25-18, 27-25) at Bangkok`s Huamark Indoor Stadium.
Road to the Final and Medal Hopes
On Sunday, Türkiye will compete for the championship title against the winner of the second semifinal between Italy and Brazil, scheduled for 19:30 local time (12:30 GMT). Japan will play for the bronze medal four hours earlier against the losing semifinalist.
This historic World Championship medal marks another significant achievement for Türkiye`s most accomplished generation in volleyball. Under head coach Daniele Santarelli, the team previously won the Volleyball Nations League and the European Championship in 2023, also reaching the Olympic Games semifinals for the first time in Paris the following year.
Vargas`s Unstoppable Performance
Melissa Vargas, at 25, stands as a pivotal figure for her country`s volleyball success. In her first World Championship representing Türkiye (having previously played for Cuba in 2014), she delivered a phenomenal performance against Japan, accumulating 28 points (26 kills, one block, one ace).
Captain Eda Erdem and Ebrar Karakurt also made crucial contributions, each adding 13 points. Erdem, a middle blocker, recorded nine kills and four blocks, while outside hitter Karakurt contributed 11 kills and two blocks.
“In the final two points, I was confident we would win because we had made such a great comeback and couldn`t lose after that,” setter Cansu Özbay shared her excitement. “We always give our all on the court and we proved ourselves once more. I`m incredibly proud of the team. It feels like a dream, and I don`t think I can fully grasp what we`ve just accomplished. But we`ll quickly move past this match and concentrate on the final.”
Match Analysis and Japan`s Perspective
Türkiye`s superior blocking was a key factor, with the Europeans outscoring Japan 12-6 in blocks. Other aspects of the game were closely contested: Türkiye led in kills (58-55), Japan had a slight advantage in aces (5-4), and both teams conceded 19 points from opponent errors.
For Japan, opposite Yukiko Wada maintained a high level of play, leading her team with 22 points (19 kills, two aces, one block) in the semifinal. Team captain and star outside hitter Mayu Ishikawa followed with 19 points (17 kills, two aces).
Mayu Ishikawa reflected on the loss: “We lost today, but we still have an opportunity to win a medal. Unfortunately, we couldn`t secure the necessary points at the end of the sets, which is an area we need to improve for tomorrow.”
On Sunday, the Japanese team aims to secure a World Championship medal for the first time since 2010, when they won bronze, adding to their seven previous medals in the tournament.
Jasper Thornfield 
Oliver Wrenwick