Final Eight Ready as Women’s Volleyball Worlds Heat Up in Thailand

WoV

4 months ago

The 2025 FIVB Volleyball Women’s World Championship has reached its decisive stage in Bangkok, with the quarterfinals set to deliver high drama. Eight teams remain in contention, featuring global favorites, surprise packages, and a few shock exits that have shaken up the competition.

Big Names Advance, but Upsets Grab Headlines

Powerhouses Italy, Brazil, Turkiye, Japan, Poland, and the United States all secured their quarterfinal berths, reaffirming their dominance on the world stage. Yet, the Round of 16 also produced storylines that went beyond expectations.

The most notable came when the Netherlands eliminated reigning champions Serbia in a five-set thriller. Serbia, winners of the last two World Championships, struggled with form and suffered a critical blow after Tijana Boskovic’s injury. The Dutch seized the moment, with Nika Daalderop and Elles Dambrink leading the charge, and ended Serbia’s dream of a historic three-peat.

Another shock unfolded when France ousted China in four sets. Entering the tournament as outsiders, France has quickly emerged as a dark horse, playing with confidence and composure that unsettled one of Asia’s volleyball giants.

Meanwhile, Slovenia, despite exiting against Turkiye, earned admiration for their performance. With a roster built on youthful energy, their spirited run suggested that a new contender may be on the rise in the coming years.

USA vs Turkiye: A Clash to Watch

The United States, guided by a mix of experienced players and fresh faces, showed no signs of weakness as they swept past Canada. Their long-term vision, targeting the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics, hasn’t come at the expense of present results.

Their quarterfinal opponent, Turkiye, is the only team yet to drop a set in Thailand. The reigning European champions have been ruthless so far, dispatching opponents with speed and precision. Their meeting with the USA is tipped to be one of the fiercest battles of the tournament.

Quarterfinal Line-Up in Bangkok

Over two evenings in the Thai capital, volleyball fans can expect world-class clashes:

Netherlands vs Japan – Power meets discipline in a contest of styles.
Italy vs Poland – A heavyweight showdown between two top-ranked European rivals.
Brazil vs France – Brazil’s experience will be tested against France’s fearless momentum.
USA vs Turkiye – The ultimate clash of giants, with Türkiye still seen as the favorite.

The Road Ahead

The level of play has already delivered electrifying rallies and emotional moments, making this one of the most competitive editions in recent memory. However, low crowd attendance inside Thai arenas has been a concern, even as global streaming audiences grow.

As play resumes on September 3 and 4, anticipation is sky-high. With underdogs unafraid and favorites under pressure, the Women’s World Championship is set for a thrilling finish.

Cup tree provided by Sofascore