Power shift in Bangkok: Türkiye make history, Brazil stay ruthless

Second quarterfinals day at the 2025 FIVB Women’s World Championship brought both historic breakthroughs and dominant displays. Türkiye stunned USA in four sets to reach their first-ever World Championship semifinal, while Brazil fended off a spirited French side in a tense three-set battle to maintain their unbeaten run. With these results, both teams move one step closer to global glory—and a potential final showdown.

USA - Türkiye 1 - 3 (14-25, 25-22, 14-25, 23-25) 

Türkiye achieved a milestone at the 2025 FIVB Women’s World Championship in Bangkok, clinching their first-ever semifinal spot thanks to a commanding 3–1 victory over the United States.

The “Sultans of the Net,” reigning European champions, continued their flawless form in Thailand—reaching the quarterfinals without dropping a single set. Their path included clean sweeps in pool play against Spain, Bulgaria and Canada, followed by an emphatic 3–0 win over Slovenia (30–28, 25–13, 29–27) in the round of 16.

Despite being ranked fifth in the world, Türkiye came into the match against the USA as underdogs. The Americans, Tokyo 2020 Olympic champions and Paris 2024 silver medallists, entered the game undefeated and riding high on a dominant Round-of-16 win over Canada. 

On the court, its stars delivered. Star outside hitter Ebrar Karakurt delivered her best performance at the World Championship so far against the Americans, leading the Turkish side with 23 points (20 kills, three blocks). Opposite star Melissa Vargas led the way with 21 points (18 kills, 3 serves), while captain and middle blocker Eda Erdem Dündar added 13 points (6 spikes, 7 blocks), including the decisive point that sealed the match.

With this landmark win, Türkiye now sets their sights on Japan — the winner of the Netherlands vs. Japan quarterfinal — for a spot in the championship match.

Brazil - France 3 - 0 (27-25, 33-31, 25-19)

The stage is set for a thrilling semifinal clash at the FIVB Women’s World Championship 2025, as Brazil prepare to take on Italy in Bangkok. The matchup brings together two of the world’s top teams, both riding impressive winning streaks and rich histories in the sport.

Brazil booked their spot in the semifinals with a convincing 3–0 win over France in the quarterfinals. Brazil delivered a resolute and clinically efficient performance to dispatch France in straight sets, prevailing 27–25, 33–31, 25–19 to punch their ticket to the semifinals against Italy. The second set was especially grueling, stretching nearly 38 minutes, before Brazil managed to pull ahead and assert control in the third. Veteran stars stepped up when it mattered most: outside hitter Julia Bergmann led Brazil with 17 points, while captain Gabi Guimarães contributed 13 and Rosamaria Montibeller added 12, ensuring that Brazil’s depth and composure held firm under pressure. On the French side, Héléna Cazaute fought valiantly as the top scorer with 20 points, ably supported by Iman Ndiaye, who added 15, but their valiant efforts ultimately fell short against Brazil’s consistency and experience

Their next rival, Italy, on the other hand, reached the semifinals by sweeping past Germany and Poland without dropping a set. Under coach Julio Velasco, the Azzurre have looked sharp and consistent, with stars like Paola Egonu, Anna Danesi, and Monica De Gennaro playing pivotal roles. Italy’s team is a mix of experienced leaders and rising young talent, blending power and tactical depth.

This semifinal brings extra weight due to the recent rivalry between the two nations. Italy triumphed over Brazil in a thrilling four-set final at the 2025 Volleyball Nations League, taking the gold and proving they can go toe-to-toe with the South American powerhouse. 

As both teams prepare to face off again, the match is shaping up to be a tactical and emotional battle. Brazil will look to leverage their experience and consistency, while Italy will aim to repeat their VNL heroics and claim a spot in the final for the first time since 2018.

The semifinal promises not just high-level volleyball, but also a clash of mentalities: Brazil’s calm resilience versus Italy’s aggressive, high-octane style. Fans can expect fireworks when these two giants meet in Bangkok.

Semifinal schedule: 

Japan - Türkiye 6 September 10:30 CEST 

Italy - Brazil 6 September 14:30 CEST