Türkiye Sweeps Slovenia to Secure Quarterfinal Spot in World Championship

Women`s World Championship 2025

The reigning European champions will now face the United States, who advanced after eliminating Canada.

Published: September 1, 2025

Middle blocker Zehra Güneş contributed significantly with eight points in Türkiye`s victory over Slovenia.

The reigning European champions, Türkiye, secured the final quarterfinal berth in the 2025 FIVB Volleyball Women`s World Championship on Monday. They are now one step closer to their ambitious goal of claiming their first-ever title in this prestigious tournament.

Despite being ranked fifth globally, Türkiye faced significant challenges against the 20th-ranked Slovenian newcomers, particularly in the tightly contested first and third sets. However, the Turkish team demonstrated resilience and critical execution, ultimately securing a decisive 3-0 (30-28, 25-13, 29-27) victory in Bangkok to advance from the Round of 16.

Maintaining their undefeated streak through four matches in Thailand, Türkiye is now preparing to face the United States in the quarterfinals. The American squad also earned their spot after a convincing 3-0 (25-18, 25-21, 25-21) victory over Canada earlier on Monday in Bangkok.

In what proved to be their most crucial match to date, Türkiye`s prolific scorer Melissa Vargas delivered an outstanding performance, leading all players with 20 points, comprising 19 kills and one block. Captain Eda Erdem, a middle blocker, also made a significant impact, adding 17 points through 12 kills, two blocks, and three aces, notably scoring the decisive point.

Middle blocker Zehra Güneş acknowledged the intensity of the match, stating, “It was very difficult. Slovenia fought for every point and showcased excellent defense. Both teams battled fiercely towards the end of the third set, and I am incredibly proud of our advancement. We anticipate another challenging encounter against the United States, and I am hopeful we can maintain our performance to achieve our ultimate goal of winning the gold medal.”

For Slovenia, in their inaugural World Championship appearance, outside hitter Fatoumatta Sillah was a standout performer, accumulating 15 points against Türkiye (12 kills, two aces, one block). Opposite Evá Zatkovič also had a strong showing, particularly in the closing moments, contributing 14 kills and one block.

Outside hitter Lorena Lorber Fijok shared her reflections, noting, “These are the matches we train and play for. We pressured Türkiye significantly in the first and third sets, and while the current feeling is a bittersweet one, we’ve experienced immense growth here with much room for further development. We demonstrated our present capabilities and the vast extent of our potential. Competing on such a grand stage was an incredible opportunity and a testament to our efforts over recent years.”

Türkiye showcased a disciplined performance, committing only 16 errors compared to Slovenia’s 20. The European champions also outperformed their opponents in crucial offensive and defensive categories: 47 kills to Slovenia’s 42, ten blocks to seven, and seven aces to three. This strong showing propels them into the quarterfinals for the second consecutive time.

Upcoming Quarterfinal Matches

With only eight national teams remaining, the World Championship proceeds to its quarterfinal stage. Here`s the schedule: