Women`s World Championship 2025
The third day of the 2025 FIVB Volleyball Women`s World Championship in Thailand is set to deliver thrilling encounters as undefeated national teams go head-to-head. Fans can look forward to key matchups like the United States against Argentina and Brazil facing France, as Pools A, B, C, and D return to action across four Thai host cities.
Two crucial duels highlight Sunday`s eight-match schedule. In Pool D, the United States will challenge Argentina, while in Pool C, Brazil will meet France. Both the U.S. and Argentina commenced their campaigns with victories in Pool D, just as Brazil and France did in Pool C.
Beginning their journey towards the LA 2028 Olympic Games with a youthful squad, the American team experienced a somewhat slow start in their initial match in Nakhon Ratchasima. Despite dropping a set to World Championship newcomers Slovenia, the powerful scoring tandem of sisters Avery and Madisen Skinner combined for 28 points, enabling the U.S. to recover and secure a four-set win. Avery Skinner, a pivotal performer against Slovenia, is expected to play a vital role in the upcoming clash with Argentina.
Argentina also required four sets to clinch their first victory, making a comeback to defeat Czechia. This win positions them favorably for advancement to the elimination rounds. Opposite Bianca Cugno was a standout player, leading the South Americans with an impressive 25 points.
The highly anticipated match between the USA and Argentina is slated for 19:30 local time (12:30 GMT). Their senior national teams last met at the Tokyo Olympics, where the U.S. emerged victorious in straight sets. The Americans have won three of their last five confrontations, with Argentina`s two victories occurring in the Pan-American Cup when the U.S. did not field their primary roster.
Elsewhere on Sunday, European rivals Slovenia and Czechia will aim to bounce back from their opening losses and bolster their chances of progressing to the next stage. Their match in Nakhon Ratchasima is scheduled to begin at 16:00 local time (9:00 GMT).
Brazil and France Vie for Top Spot in Pool C
In Pool C, South American giants Brazil seek to capitalize on their promising debut, which saw them sweep Greece on Friday. A second consecutive victory would firmly place them atop the standings. Star outside hitter Gabriela ‘Gabi’ Guimarães, Brazil`s leading scorer against the Greeks, is primed to guide her team to another win in Thailand.
France made a strong return to the World Championship on Friday after a 51-year hiatus, delivering a compelling performance to overcome Puerto Rico in four sets. The European side, notably aided by five aces from opposite Iman Ndiaye in their historic triumph, now aims to cause an upset and advance closer to the Round of 16.
Their previous encounter in the Volleyball Nations League 2025, approximately six weeks ago, was a hard-fought battle where Brazil ultimately prevailed in five sets. This suggests another thrilling contest is likely when they meet on Sunday at 19:30 local time (12:30 GMT) in Thailand.
Earlier in Pool C, at 16:00 local time (09:00 GMT), Puerto Rico and Greece will face off, both searching for their first victory in the tournament.
Pool A will also feature a pair of matches in Bangkok on Sunday. The Netherlands will take on Egypt at 17:00 local time (10:00 GMT), followed by host nation Thailand battling Sweden at 20:30 local time (13:30 GMT). Thailand currently leads Pool A with three points after their 3-1 debut victory over Egypt. The Netherlands occupies second place with two points, earned from a five-set win against Sweden, who secured one point from that result.
In Pool B, Olympic champions Italy and Cuba will commence the day`s action in Phuket at 17:00 local time (10:00 GMT). Three and a half hours later, Belgium and Slovakia will clash. Both Italy and Belgium share the top position in Pool B with three points each, having swept Slovakia and Cuba respectively in their opening matches on Friday.
Women’s World Championship – Sunday’s Match Schedule
- 16:00 local time (09:00 GMT) – Pool C – Puerto Rico vs. Greece
- 16:00 local time (09:00 GMT) – Pool D – Czechia vs. Slovenia
- 17:00 local time (10:00 GMT) – Pool A – The Netherlands vs. Egypt
- 17:00 local time (10:00 GMT) – Pool B – Italy vs. Cuba
- 19:30 local time (12:30 GMT) – Pool C – Brazil vs. France
- 19:30 local time (12:30 GMT) – Pool D – USA vs. Argentina
- 20:30 local time (13:30 GMT) – Pool A – Thailand vs. Sweden
- 20:30 local time (13:30 GMT) – Pool B – Belgium vs Slovakia
Jasper Thornfield 
Oliver Wrenwick