Women’s World Championship Pool Previews: Pool F

China, the Dominican Republic, Colombia, and Mexico will compete fiercely for two advancement spots in Pool F of the tournament.

The return of star outside hitter Li Yingying positions China as a strong contender for a podium finish in Thailand.

The 2025 FIVB Volleyball Women’s World Championship, the most prestigious event in the international volleyball calendar, marks a new era as its 20th edition commences in Thailand. This tournament, running from August 22 to September 7 across Bangkok, Nakhon Ratchasima, Phuket, and Chiang Mai, is the first to adopt a biennial format, held every two years.

This edition also features an expanded field of 32 national teams, providing more countries with the opportunity to participate in the sport`s premier event and foster their development.

The 32 participating teams are divided into eight pools of four, with each team playing their three pool opponents. The top two teams from each pool will advance to the elimination rounds, which include the Round of 16, quarterfinals, semifinals, and medal matches. Pool play, comprising 48 matches, will take place in the four host cities from August 22 to 27. The elimination rounds will then move exclusively to Bangkok. The Round of 16 is scheduled from August 29 to September 1, quarterfinals on September 3-4, semifinals on September 6, and medal matches on September 7.

This promises to be a historic World Championship. In the days leading up to the tournament, we will be providing previews of each of the eight pools, offering all the essential information to follow the matches.

Pool F

Host City: Chiang Mai

Match Schedule

• August 23 – Dominican Republic vs. Colombia – 16:00
• August 23 – China vs. Mexico – 19:30
• August 25 – Dominican Republic vs. Mexico – 16:00
• August 25 – China vs. Colombia – 19:30
• August 27 – Colombia vs. Mexico – 16:00
• August 27 – China vs. Dominican Republic – 19:30

China

China secured its place in the 2025 World Championship by winning the 2023 Asian Championship. With 15 previous appearances since their debut in 1956, China has an impressive record of six medals: gold in 1982 and 1986, silver in 1990, 1998, and 2014, and bronze in 2018.

Ranked fourth in the FIVB World Ranking, China, under first-year head coach Zhao Yong, will be bolstered by the return of star outside hitter Li Yingying and middle blocker Gao Yi, who missed the 2025 Volleyball Nations League. They will join promising young talents like setter Zhang Zixuan, outside hitters Wu Mengjie and Zhuang Yushan, and team captain/opposite Gong Xiangyu in Thailand.

Dominican Republic

The Dominican Republic, also known as the `Queens of the Caribbean,` qualified for the World Championship by clinching gold at the 2023 NORCECA Championship. Having first participated in 1974 and returned in 1998 after a two-decade hiatus, they now have nine appearances, with their best performance being a fifth-place finish and a quarterfinal run in 2014.

Currently ranked tenth globally by the FIVB, the Dominican Republic`s veteran setter and captain Niverka Marte will be absent due to maternity leave. However, coach Marcos Kwiek will rely on key players such as star libero Brenda Castillo, high-scoring opposite Gaila González, and the formidable Martínez sisters, Brayelin (outside hitter) and Jineiry (middle blocker).

Colombia

Colombia secured one of South America`s three allocated spots at the World Championship with a third-place finish in the 2023 South American Championship. This marks only their second appearance in the tournament, following their debut in 2022 where they finished 21st.

Under new Brazilian coach Guilherme Schmitz for 2025, Colombia is currently ranked 19th in the FIVB World Ranking. Key players to watch in Thailand include setter María Alejandra Marín, opposite Dayana Segovia, outside hitters Ana Karina Olaya and Amanda Coneo, and libero Camila Gómez.

Mexico

Mexico qualified for the World Championship based on their FIVB World Ranking, one of 15 teams to do so. Prior to 2025, Mexico had made eight tournament appearances, starting in 1970, with their best result being a tenth-place finish in 1974.

Ranked 24th in the FIVB World Ranking, Mexico has been led by Italian head coach Nicola Negro since 2023. The team`s main star is outside hitter Samantha Bricio, returning to the national team for the first time since 2023. Other experienced international players include setter Argentina Ung, outside hitter Melanie Parra, and middle blockers Jocelyn Urias and Karina Flores.