The 20th FIVB Women`s Volleyball World Championship is set to commence on Friday, August 22, in Thailand. Thirty-two national teams will participate, initially grouped into eight pools of four, with the top two from each pool advancing to the subsequent stages.
Europe boasts the largest contingent in the tournament, with 16 of the 32 competing nations hailing from the continent. This includes Serbia, the champions of the last two World Championship editions, highlighting the continent`s strong representation.
This 20th global volleyball event will feature numerous star players. Prominent teams such as current European champions Türkiye, who are seeking their first-ever World Championship medal, and Italy, who previously claimed the title in 2002, are among those fiercely vying for top honors.
Fresh off their impressive victory in the 2025 FIVB Women’s Nations League this summer, Italy enters Pool B as a formidable contender. Their matches at Phuket Municipal Stadium will see them compete against fellow European teams Belgium and Slovakia, alongside Cuba, whose last top-10 finish in the competition was recorded in 2006.
European champions Türkiye are placed in Pool E, where they will compete against Bulgaria, Spain, and Canada. While Canada`s best recent finish was sixth in 2010 when the competition was held in Japan, Türkiye, under the guidance of coaching maestro Daniele Santarelli and with a formidable squad, harbors significant aspirations for success in Thailand.
Defending champions Serbia are widely expected to advance from Pool H, where they will face Japan, Cameroon, and Ukraine. This experienced European side is aiming for an unprecedented third consecutive World Championship title, a remarkable feat previously achieved only by the Soviet Union in the tournament`s inaugural three editions.
The Netherlands, bronze medalists at CEV EuroVolley Women 2023, anticipate challenging contests in Pool A. Their opponents include host nation Thailand, Egypt, and Sweden, which will be boasting MVP-level talent in Isabelle Haak.
Pool C will see France and Greece battling Brazil and Puerto Rico. Meanwhile, Czechia and debutants Slovenia find themselves in Pool D, alongside strong contenders USA and Argentina, setting the stage for exciting matchups.
Poland and Germany are clear favorites in Pool G, where they are matched against Vietnam and Kenya. Notably, Pool F stands as the sole group without European representation, featuring China, Colombia, Mexico, and the Dominican Republic competing for advancement to the crucial knockout rounds.
The initial group stage will be held from August 22 to 27 across four Thai cities: Bangkok, Phuket, Chiang Mai, and Nakhon Ratchasima. Following this, the top 16 teams will then proceed to the knockout phase, scheduled for August 29, 30, 31, and September 1.
The quarter-finals are slated for September 3 and 4 in Bangkok, followed by the semi-finals on September 6. The tournament`s medal winners, determining who claims the coveted titles, will then be known on September 7.
