World no. 3 Poland, along with USA, Türkiye, and the Netherlands also completed flawless runs to advance to the Round of 16 of the FIVB Women's World Championship 2025 alongside each group's second-placed teams.
The group stage is over, and the giants of women’s volleyball have wasted little time reminding everyone who’s in charge.
World no. 1 Italy, along with Asian powerhouses China and Japan, headlined the pool winners at the FIVB Women’s World Championship 2025 in Thailand.
World no. 2 Brazil, third-ranked Poland, USA, Türkiye, and the Netherlands also completed flawless runs, rounding out the eight pool-topping nations bound for the Round of 16, alongside each group's second-placed teams.
Italy swept Pool B with victories over Slovakia, Cuba, and Belgium. The Belgians finished second at 2-1 in the group to move on to the next round.
In Pool A, the Netherlands survived two five-setters against Thailand and Sweden, then swept Egypt to secure the top spot.
The Thais settled for second with a 2-1 record.
China and Japan dominated Pools F and H, respectively, clinching the top spots in convincing fashion. Both reached the quarterfinals in 2022 but bowed out after losses to Italy and Brazil.
Two-time defending champion Serbia and the Dominican Republic, both at 2-1, also advanced to the knockout stage.
Brazil topped Pool C after dispatching Puerto Rico, Greece and two-time Olympic gold medalist France, which settled for second but still advanced.
Finally, the United States led Pool D, with Slovenia advancing as runner-up. Türkiye ruled Pool E with a perfect 3-0 record, while Canada (2-1) kept its campaign alive in second place.