Women’s World Championship Pool Previews: Pool D

The United States, Czechia, Argentina, and Slovenia are strong contenders to advance from Pool D in the upcoming FIVB Women`s World Championship.

Veteran setter Jordyn Poulter is set to lead a youthful American team in Thailand.

The 20th edition of the FIVB Volleyball Women’s World Championship is poised to begin a new chapter this week in Thailand, marking a significant evolution for the sport`s most prestigious international event.

This year`s tournament, running from August 22 to September 7, will be hosted across four Thai cities – Bangkok, Nakhon Ratchasima, Phuket, and Chiang Mai. It introduces a new biennial format, ensuring the world title is contested every two years.

A major change for this edition is the expanded field, now featuring 32 national teams. This increase aims to provide more countries with the opportunity to compete at the highest level, fostering greater development within the sport globally.

These 32 teams are divided into eight pools, each comprising four nations. During the pool play phase, every team will compete against their three opponents. The top two teams from each pool will then progress to the knockout stages, which include the Round of 16, quarterfinals, semifinals, and ultimately, the medal matches.

The preliminary pool play will consist of 48 matches, held in the four host cities between August 22 and 27. Subsequently, the elimination rounds will centralize in Bangkok. The Thai capital will host the Round of 16 from August 29 to September 1, the quarterfinals on September 3-4, and the semifinals and medal matches on September 6 and 7, respectively.

As this historic World Championship approaches, we offer an in-depth look at each of the eight pools, providing essential information to prepare you for the upcoming matches.

Pool D

Host City: Nakhon Ratchasima

Match Schedule:

• August 22 – Czechia vs. Argentina – 16:00 local time (9:00 GMT)
• August 22 – USA vs. Slovenia – 19:30 local time (12:30 GMT)
• August 24 – Czechia vs. Slovenia – 16:00 local time (9:00 GMT)
• August 24 – USA vs. Argentina – 19:30 local time (12:30 GMT)
• August 26 – Argentina vs. Slovenia – 16:00 local time (9:00 GMT)
• August 26 – USA vs. Czechia – 19:30 local time (12:30 GMT)

USA

The American team secured their spot in the World Championship by earning a silver medal at the 2023 NORCECA Championship, claiming one of the three continental qualification berths. This marks their 18th appearance in the event, having only missed the 1952 and 1962 editions. Their impressive medal tally includes a gold in 2014, silvers in 1967 and 2002, and bronzes in 1982 and 1990.

Under the guidance of new head coach Erik Sullivan, who took the helm for the 2025 season, the U.S. currently ranks seventh in the FIVB World Rankings. The squad features a blend of experience and emerging talent: veteran setter Jordyn Poulter, outside hitter Avery Skinner, and middle blocker Dana Rettke, all silver medalists from last year`s Paris Olympics, will mentor promising young players such as opposite Madisen Skinner, outside hitter Sarah Franklin, middle blocker Tia Jimerson, and libero Lexi Rodriguez.

Czechia

Czechia qualified for the tournament based on their FIVB World Ranking, securing one of the 15 available spots. This will be their second consecutive appearance after finishing 18th in 2022. Historically, the Czech national team has participated in 12 World Championship editions, reaching the podium twice with bronze medals in the inaugural 1952 event and again in 1960.

Ranked 13th globally following their recent debut in the Volleyball Nations League, the Czech team is coached by Greece’s Giannis Athanasopoulos. Key players from their successful VNL campaign expected to lead in Thailand include opposite Monika Brancuská, outside hitters Helena Grozer and Michaela Mlejnková, middle blocker Magdaléna Jehlářová, and libero Daniela Digrinová.

Argentina

Argentina secured their place in Thailand by finishing second at the 2023 South American Championship, claiming one of the continent`s allocated World Championship slots. This 2025 tournament will be their seventh overall appearance and their fourth in a row. Their debut was in 1960, where they also achieved their best-ever result, finishing eighth.

Currently ranked 17th in the FIVB World Ranking, Argentina aims to continue their upward trajectory under experienced head coach Daniel Castellani, who joined in 2023. The team will rely on seasoned players like setter Victoria Mayer, opposite Bianca Cugno, and outside hitters Elina Rodríguez and Daniela Bulaich. Middle blocker Bianca Farriol has unfortunately been ruled out due to injury.

Slovenia

Slovenia makes its historic debut at the World Championship, qualifying as one of the 15 teams via the FIVB World Ranking. The Slovenian national team has been steadily building on the success of their men`s squad, notably participating in the European Golden League for the past two seasons and securing a fifth-place finish in 2025.

Under Italian coach Alessandro Orefice since 2024, Slovenia currently holds the 25th position in the FIVB World Ranking. The team`s seasoned players, including setter Eva Pavlović Mori and middle blocker Saša Planinšec, will guide a promising young generation of talents such as opposite Evá Zatkovič, outside hitter Fatoumatta Sillah, and middle blocker Nika Milošič.