The preliminary round of the 2025 FIVB Women`s Volleyball Nations League is reaching its climax this week. The competition for spots in the knockout phase is heating up, and for the leading European teams, the pressure is immense. With the league stage ending on July 13th, every single match, set, and point is critical in determining which teams will qualify for the Finals in Łódź, Poland.
Currently, four European nations are positioned among the top eight teams set to advance. Italy sits first, Poland is second, and Türkiye is fourth. Poland is automatically qualified for the final phase as the host nation.
This week`s key action is centered in Apeldoorn, Netherlands, which hosts a pool featuring several strong European teams: Italy, Türkiye, Serbia, the Netherlands, Belgium, and newcomers Czechia. These teams enter the week with varying goals.
Italy has been dominant so far, winning all eight of their matches and losing only five sets. They are expected to win against Belgium and Serbia (Serbia has lost all matches and is out of contention). However, Italy will face tougher challenges against Türkiye and the host nation, the Netherlands, in their final two games.
Meanwhile, Bulgaria and France are battling to stay in the competition in Chiba, Japan. Germany faces a tough schedule in Arlington, USA, playing against world-class teams like Canada, Thailand, China, and the Dominican Republic. Their last two matches will be particularly crucial for Germany`s qualification hopes.
The fight for survival is intense for several teams. Germany is currently in seventh place with a 4-4 record and 14 points. Czechia is just outside the top eight, in ninth place, also with four wins and four losses, but with only 10 points.
France (3-5), the Netherlands (3-5), Bulgaria (3-5), and Belgium (3-5) all still have a chance to reach the knockout stage. However, they will need to perform flawlessly this week to secure a qualification spot.
The top eight teams from the league phase will advance to the Final Round of the 2025 FIVB Women`s Volleyball Nations League in Łódź, Poland. The schedule includes quarterfinals on July 23rd and 24th, semifinals on July 26th, and the grand final on July 27th.
Currently, France`s opposite hitter, Iman Ndiaye, leads the scoring chart with 169 points. Brazil`s Ana Cristina Menezes Oliveira de Souza is second with 162 points, and China`s Mengjie Wu is third with 147 points.
