Japan overcame a slow start to defeat Brazil 3-1 and secure first place in Pool D on the final day of preliminary play at the 2025 FIVB Volleyball Women’s U21 World Championship. The victory sees them join Argentina, China, and Poland as pool winners heading into the knockout stage.
Brazil claimed the opening set 26-24, powered by Helena Wenk Hoengen’s sharp hitting. Japan responded with quicker transitions and tighter defense, winning the next three sets 25-17, 25-22, 25-22. Sae Omori led Japan with 19 points, while teammates Koyumi Fukumura, Anna Uemura, and Ichiyo Ito also scored in double digits. Helena finished with a match-best 26 points for Brazil.
In other results, Argentina closed Pool A unbeaten after sweeping Indonesia, China completed a perfect 5-0 run to win Pool B, and Poland topped Pool C ahead of Italy on points.
The Round of 16 begins next, with all four pool leaders aiming to carry their momentum into the championship rounds.
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