The 2025 FIVB Women`s Volleyball World Championship commenced on August 22nd in Thailand, featuring 32 national teams divided into eight groups of four. The top two teams from each pool will advance to the knockout stage, with the grand finale scheduled for September 7th in Bangkok.
Europe boasts the largest representation, with sixteen teams participating. Reigning champions Serbia are vying for an unprecedented third consecutive title. Meanwhile, Türkiye, fresh off their European Championship victory, seeks to secure its inaugural World Championship medal. Italy, two-time champions from 2002 and recent winners of the Nations League, also arrive as formidable contenders. The competition promises to be intense, a sentiment already echoed by the challenging opening day.
Opening Day Action: Pool-by-Pool Recap
Pool A (Bangkok)
In Pool A, hosted in Bangkok, the Netherlands secured a hard-fought 3-2 victory over Sweden. Sweden`s star player, Isabelle Haak, delivered a sensational performance, tallying a tournament-high 32 points on opening day. Host nation Thailand also began strongly, defeating Egypt 3-1.
Credit: Volleyball World
Pool B (Phuket)
Moving to Pool B in Phuket, European powerhouses Italy and Belgium both started their campaigns with convincing 3-0 wins. Belgium effortlessly dispatched Cuba, with Britt Lemmens leading her team with 12 points. Italy followed suit, overcoming Slovakia, with Paola Egonu contributing 15 points, reaffirming her status as a top scorer.
Pool C (Chiang Mai)
Chiang Mai`s Pool C witnessed France making a strong return to the World Championship, claiming a 3-1 win against Puerto Rico, powered by Ndiaye`s 22 points. Brazil also asserted dominance, sweeping Greece 3-0. Both Gabi (Brazil) and Anthouli (Greece) impressed with 18 points each, showcasing significant attacking prowess despite the contrasting match outcomes.
Pool D (Nakhon Ratchasima)
In Pool D, held in Nakhon Ratchasima, Czechia started brightly but ultimately fell 1-3 to Argentina. Opposite spiker Bianca Cugno was the standout performer for Argentina, achieving 25 points. Defending champions USA also commenced with a 3-1 triumph over tournament debutants Slovenia.
Credit: Volleyball World
Opening Day Match Results
Pool A
- Netherlands 3–2 Sweden (25–27, 25–11, 25–21, 21–25, 15–9)
- Thailand 3–1 Egypt (25–15, 23–25, 25–15, 25–12)
Pool B
- Belgium 3–0 Cuba (25–23, 25–14, 25–11)
- Italy 3–0 Slovakia (25–20, 25–14, 25–17)
Pool C
- France 3–1 Puerto Rico (25–22, 25–18, 21–25, 25–14)
- Brazil 3–0 Greece (25–18, 25–16, 25–16)
Pool D
- Argentina 3–1 Czechia (18–25, 25–23, 25–17, 26–24)
- USA 3–1 Slovenia (25–23, 17–25, 25–22, 25–14)
