Brazil remained unbeaten in the Volleyball Nations League 2026 overcoming Belgium in a hard-fought five-set contest, while Thailand claimed first win of the campaign in front of an enthusiastic home crowd in Bangkok.
The VNL leaders were tested by Belgium in Ankara but recovered from a 2-1 deficit to secure a 3-2 victory and retain top spot in the standings. Julia Bergmann led Brazil with 19 points, while Belgian opposite Pauline Martin finished with 22.
Hosts Türkiye also enjoyed a comfortable outing, sweeping France in straight sets behind a match-high 21 points from Melissa Vargas.
In Bangkok, Thailand produced strongest performance of the season to defeat Bulgaria 3-0 and end a five-match losing streak. Sasipapron Janthawisut starred with 21 points, while Pimpichaya Kokram added 18 as the hosts moved up the standings.
Poland also celebrated a victory in the Thai capital, defeating Ukraine 3-1 thanks to a dominant 29-point performance from Magdalena Stysiak.
In other matches, Italy survived a spirited Serbian comeback in Pasig City to prevail in five sets. Josephine Obossa led the Italians with 18 points, while Nina Čajić scored 19 for Serbia.
The United States completed a straightforward sweep of Czechia, with Jordan Thompson contributing 15 points in the three-set victory.
Results
Bangkok
- Thailand bt. Bulgaria 3-0 (25-22, 25-20, 25-17)
- Poland bt. Ukraine 3-1 (25-21, 25-13, 22-25, 25-23)
Ankara
- Brazil bt. Belgium 3-2 (25-20, 22-25, 23-25, 25-22, 15-13)
- Türkiye bt. France 3-0 (25-17, 25-13, 25-20)
Pasig City
- Italy bt. Serbia 3-2 (25-14, 25-15, 18-25, 21-25, 15-12)
- United States bt. Czechia 3-0 (25-17, 25-12, 25-16)