The preliminary rounds of the 2025 FIVB Volleyball Women`s World Championship in Thailand concluded on Wednesday, setting the stage for the Round of 16 with 16 formidable teams. The intensity of pool play has paved the way for a thrilling single-elimination phase.
Defending champions Serbia, who have won two consecutive titles, headline the elite group of 16 nations advancing to the single-elimination knockout stage, commencing on Friday. This crucial phase will feature the top two teams from each of the eight initial pools, ensuring only the strongest contenders remain.
Among the perpetual contenders poised for these clashes are hosts and Asian champions Thailand, the reigning champions Serbia, Olympic and Volleyball Nations League (VNL) champions Italy, three-time World champions Japan, European champions Turkiye, South American champions Brazil, and NORCECA champions USA. These powerhouses are ready to battle for the coveted title.
Round of 16 Draw
- Thailand v Japan
- Netherlands v Serbia
- Poland v Belgium
- USA v Canada
- Italy v Germany
- China v France
- Brazil v Dominican Republic
- Turkiye v Slovenia
Turkiye Stays Perfect in Thailand
Turkiye versus Slovenia and USA against Canada emerged as the first two confirmed eighth-final match-ups in the 2025 FIVB Volleyball Women’s World Championship. These games are scheduled for Monday, September 1, in Bangkok. In a decisive Pool E match in Nakhon Ratchasima, the undefeated European champions, Turkiye, swept their North American opponents, Canada, to secure the top spot in the pool standings without dropping a single set. Canada finished as the runner-up, also progressing to the next round.
With the return of their 38-year-old middle blocker and captain Eda Erdem, Turkiye delivered a commanding 3-0 (25-21, 27-25, 25-13) victory over Canada. Their dominance at the net was evident, outperforming Canada with 49-35 spike kills and a 10-5 advantage in kill blocks.
Maldonado`s 33 Points Propel Mexico to a High Finish
In their final game at the 2025 FIVB Volleyball Women’s World Championship, Mexico, fueled by an impressive 33 points from opposite Sofia Maldonado, outlasted Colombia in a gruelling five-set battle. On Wednesday in Chiang Mai, the North Americans secured their first Pool F win, finishing third in their pool and leaving their South American opponents at the bottom, winless.
Despite Colombia`s valiant efforts to twice recover from a set down, Mexico ultimately celebrated a hard-fought 3-2 (25-22, 22-25, 25-23, 18-25, 15-12) victory, concluding their tournament on a positive note.
Kenyan Block Party Secures Historic Win Against Vietnam
A jubilant celebration erupted on the court as the Kenyan team secured their first-ever World Championship victory over an Asian opponent, shutting out Vietnam with a match-winning serving ace from captain Meldinah Nemali Sande. In Wednesday’s Pool G fixture in Phuket, Kenya dominated with an astounding 21 kill blocks, sweeping Vietnam 3-0 (25-23, 25-22, 25-18). This marks Kenya`s third World Championship win, following victories against Mexico in 2018 and Cameroon in 2022. Vietnam, making their debut, finished winless in fourth place in the pool standings.
Despite numerous unforced errors, Kenya`s superior performance in all three scoring elements, particularly their formidable net defense with a 21-3 advantage in kill blocks, ensured their impressive sweep.
Japan Tops Pool in Thailand, Defeating Defending Champions
Japan and two-time defending champions Serbia fiercely contested for the top spot in Pool H at the 2025 FIVB Volleyball Women’s World Championship in Thailand. On Wednesday in Bangkok, the Asian team outplayed their European rivals, securing first place in the pool standings and relegating Serbia to second. This result sets up compelling eighth-final matchups: Japan will face Thailand, while the Netherlands will take on Serbia, both scheduled for Friday, August 29.
Japan showcased superior offense, tallying 60 spike kills compared to Serbia`s 48, en route to a 3-1 (25-23, 30-28, 23-25, 25-18) victory. The match-winning point was sealed by a decisive double block from middle Airi Miyabe and setter Nanami Seki.
China Elevates Performance to Secure First Place Against Dominican Republic
Asian powerhouse China delivered their strongest performance yet in the 2025 FIVB Volleyball Women’s World Championship, concluding their undefeated pool play campaign with a sweep of the Dominican Republic on Wednesday.
Playing in Chiang Mai, the Chinese squad, despite dropping sets to both Mexico and Colombia in earlier matches, showcased a dominant display against the `Queens of the Caribbean.` They secured a convincing 3-0 (25-15, 25-21, 25-17) victory in their final Pool C match, confirming their top position.
Spain Ends Campaign on a High with First Victory
Spain is set to return home in high spirits after their second appearance at the FIVB Volleyball Women’s World Championship, having secured a victory against continental rivals Bulgaria in their final match in Nakhon Ratchasima on Wednesday.
Following solid performances in previous matches against Canada and Türkiye, the Spanish team finally capitalized on their efforts, defeating Bulgaria 3-1 (25-22, 25-14, 22-25, 25-18) to exit the tournament on a positive note.
Ukraine Scores First World Championship Triumph in 30 Years
A historic moment unfolded on Wednesday in Bangkok as Ukraine secured their first victory in an FIVB Volleyball Women’s World Championship match in over 30 years, completing the Pool H schedule.
After earlier losses to Japan and Serbia, the European team faced Cameroon in their final match at the Huamark Indoor Stadium. Seizing the opportunity to conclude their campaign positively, Ukraine achieved a decisive 3-0 (25-17, 25-21, 25-20) victory against the African side.
Poland Overcomes Germany in a Thriller to Remain Undefeated
European powerhouses Poland and Germany concluded the pool phase of the 2025 FIVB Volleyball Women’s World Championship on Wednesday with arguably the most exciting match of the tournament so far. The intense five-set battle in Phuket saw Poland emerge victorious, maintaining their undefeated record.
The number three team in the FIVB World Ranking displayed incredible resilience, saving multiple German match points in two different sets before ultimately securing a 3-2 (21-25, 25-15, 19-25, 28-26, 19-17) victory, which kept them perfect at the end of pool play.
Oliver Wrenwick 
Finley Blackwood