Melissa Vargas will lead Türkiye against Canadians, Bulgarians and Spanish
The highly anticipated 20th edition of the FIVB Women`s World Championship 2025 is set to commence in Thailand this week, marking a significant new chapter for the premier international volleyball event. Hosted across four Thai cities—Bangkok, Nakhon Ratchasima, Phuket, and Chiang Mai—from August 22 to September 7, this tournament introduces an updated format, establishing it as a biennial competition.
This championship also debuts an expanded format, now featuring 32 national teams. This expansion aims to broaden participation in volleyball`s biggest event, fostering development opportunities for more nations. The 32 teams are organized into eight pools, each comprising four teams. During pool play, each team will compete against its 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 phase will feature 48 matches played across the four host cities from August 22 to 27. Following this, the tournament transitions exclusively to Bangkok for the elimination rounds. The Round of 16 is scheduled from August 29 to September 1, followed by the quarterfinals on September 3-4, the semifinals on September 6, and the culminating medal matches on September 7. This truly marks a landmark edition of the World Championship, and in the days leading up to its kickoff, we`ll provide comprehensive previews of each of the eight pools.
Pool E
Host City: Nakhon Ratchasima
Match Schedule
- August 23 – Canada vs. Bulgaria – 16:00 local time (9:00 GMT)
- August 23 – Türkiye vs. Spain – 19:30 local time (12:30 GMT)
- August 25 – Canada vs. Spain – 16:00 local time (9:00 GMT)
- August 25 – Türkiye vs. Bulgaria – 19:30 local time (12:30 GMT)
- August 27 – Türkiye vs. Canada – 16:00 local time (9:00 GMT)
- August 27 – Bulgaria vs. Spain – 19:30 local time (12:30 GMT)
Türkiye
Having secured their place in the World Championship by winning the 2023 European Championship, Turkey, also known as the “Sultans of the Net,” claimed one of Europe`s allocated berths. Turkey first entered the tournament in 2006 and has consistently participated since, making five prior appearances with their best finish being sixth place in 2010. Currently ranked sixth in the FIVB World Ranking, coach Daniele Santarelli`s squad aims for their inaugural World Championship medal in Thailand. Captain Eda Erdem, a veteran of four previous championship campaigns, returns after a break during the Volleyball Nations League. She will be a key player alongside middle blocker Zehra Güneş, opposite Melissa Vargas, outside hitters Ebrar Karakurt and Hande Baladin, and setter Cansu Özbay.
Canada
Canada qualified for the 2025 World Championship by earning a bronze medal at the 2023 NORCECA Championship, securing a spot via the continental route. This marks Canada`s 11th overall appearance and their fifth consecutive participation in the tournament. Their best performance to date was a tenth-place finish in 2022. Under the guidance of Italian head coach Giovanni Guidetti, in his first season with the team, Canada currently holds the 12th position in the FIVB World Ranking following their 2025 VNL campaign. Heading to Thailand without key players Kiera Van Ryk (opposite) and Brie O’Reilly (setter), the team will rely on outside hitter Hilary Johnson, middle blockers Emily Maglio and Nyadholi Thokbuom, and opposite Anna Smrek to lead their charge in the World Championship.
Bulgaria
Bulgaria secured their spot in the World Championship through the FIVB World Rankings, marking their 14th tournament appearance. After a 12-year hiatus, they returned in 2014, recalling their strong early performances, including a fourth-place finish in 1952 and fifth in 1956. Under the new leadership of former player Antonina Zetova, in her debut season as head coach, Bulgaria currently sits 20th in the FIVB World Ranking. Without outside hitter Elitsa Vasileva-Atanasijević for the championship, Coach Zetova will look to setter Lora Kitipova, opposite Mikaela Stoyanova, and middle blockers Nasya Dimitrova and Hristina Vuchkova to deliver a strong showing in Thailand.
Spain
Spain qualified for the tournament via the FIVB World Ranking, securing the 14th position among the 15 teams that advanced through this method. This marks only Spain`s second appearance in the World Championship, returning after more than four decades since their 20th-place finish in 1982. Pascual Saurín, at the helm since 2012, is one of the longest-serving head coaches in international volleyball. Ranked 32nd in the FIVB World Ranking, the Spanish team will depend on key players like setter Patricia Muñoz, opposite Julia de Paula, outside hitters Ana Escamilla and Maria Segura, and libero Patricia Llabrés to make a notable impact in their much-anticipated return.
Jasper Thornfield