The Dominican Republic — who faced Alas Pilipinas earlier in their tournament build-up — faces a daunting challenge against the reigning Olympic bronze medalist Brazil for a spot in the quarterfinals of the FIVB Women's World Championship.
From starting with 32 teams, only 16 remain as the FIVB Women’s World Championship 2025 enters the knockout rounds in Thailand.
Two-time tournament MVP Tijana Boskovic and reigning back-to-back champion Serbia’s quest for a three-peat runs through unbeaten Netherlands in one of the marquee showdowns of the Round of 16.
It marks a rematch of their 2018 semifinal, which the Serbs won in four sets en route to the first of back-to-back titles.
The Serbians finished second in Pool H with a 2-1 record, their lone loss coming against world No. 5 Japan in a four-set encounter.
Speaking of Hinotori Nippon, they will face Thailand in an intriguing all-Asian clash for a spot in the quarterfinals.
The Japanese volleybelles topped their group with a perfect 3-0 record, while the Thais finished second in Pool A behind the Netherlands.
[ALSO READ: No. 1 Italy joins Brazil, China, Japan as pool winners at FIVB Women’s World Championship]
Furthermore, the Dominican Republic — who faced Alas Pilipinas earlier in their tournament build-up — faces a daunting challenge against the reigning Olympic bronze medalist Brazil for a spot in the quarterfinals.
[ALSO READ: Jorge De Brito says tune-ups vs Dominican Republic show Alas Pilipinas ‘on the right way’]
Should the Dominicans advance, they would meet the winner of the China-France match.
Reigning Olympic gold medalist and top-ranked Italy plays Germany in an all-European duel, with the winner set to face the victor of the Poland-Belgium matchup.
Finally, Paris Olympics silver medalist USA, which topped Pool D, meets Canada, with the winner advancing to play either Pool E leader Türkiye or Slovenia.
The Round of 16 begins Friday, August 30, with Netherlands taking on Serbia, followed by Japan clashing with Thailand.