The quarterfinals of the 2025 Women's Volleyball World Championship have concluded, with the top four teams advancing to the semifinals now decided.
Japan
Meet our team
Japan won a hard-fought full-set match against the Netherlands in the quarterfinals, and advanced to the semi-finals of the World Championships for the first time in 15 years. In addition to their characteristically solid defense, their powerful serve is their weapon this year.
The three main side attackers, Ishikawa, Sato, and Wada, are at the center of the offense, but in this tournament, middle blockers Shimamura and Miyabe are also making their presence felt in attack and block.
The team is also supported by the tossing work of setter Seki, who has experience in the Italian league, and the dedicated defense of libero Kojima, who has experience in the American league.
The actions of the bench and new manager Akbash are also greatly encouraging the team.
Featured Players
Yukiko Wada
Opposite
174cm
The world's smallest and strongest opposite. He scores a lot of points with his high jumping ability and quick swings, followed by sharp spikes and serves. There were concerns about his condition at the start of the season, but in the quarterfinal against the Netherlands, he played a spectacular game, scoring 27 points, including four service aces, and contributed to Japan's advancement to the semi-finals.
Türkiye
Meet our team
Japan will face Türkiye in the semi-finals.
Led by their two star players Vargas and Karakurt, Turkey's starting lineup has an average height of over 190cm and some of the best offensive power in the tournament.
Although they lost to Japan 2-3 in the quarterfinals of this year's Nations League, the remaining members of the Paris Olympics semi-finals, including captain Erdem, have joined the team, and the team's strength at the World Volleyball Championships has increased.
Featured Players
Melissa Vargas
Opposite
194cm
The undisputed ace of the Turkish national team, boasting overwhelming power and height. Standing at 194cm, he is a world-class opposite with devastating spikes and a match-deciding serve. He was the top scorer at the Paris Olympics.
Brazil
Meet our team
Brazil won the silver medal in this year's Nations League after defeating Japan in the semi-finals.
In addition to the stable scoring ability of outside hitters Gabi and Bergman, the high blocking and solid blocking and defense of libero Marcel are major weapons.
First, they will be looking to get revenge on Italy, who defeated them in the Nations League final.
Featured Players
Gabriela Guimaraes
Outside hitter
180cm
Nicknamed "Gabi," Gabi is the undisputed captain and ace of the Brazilian national team, having supported the team for many years. He is highly stable on both offense and defense, and his competitive spirit is evident in his ability to score goals in crucial situations. At club level, he played for the powerful Italian club Conegliano alongside Japan's Nanami Seki, and led the team to five titles.
Italy
Meet our team
Italy is the absolute queen of modern women's volleyball.
The team is undefeated in official matches since Velasco took over as coach in 2024. They won a gold medal at the Paris Olympics and have also won two consecutive Nations League titles.
They have only lost one set in this tournament, showing great consistency and strength.
While the focus tends to be on point scorer Egonnu, the team is also extremely well-balanced, with high-quality players in each position, including libero De Gennaro and middle blocker Foul.
Featured Players
Paola Egonu
Opposite
195cm
An opposite who boasts world-class scoring ability. With roots in Nigeria, he has been with the national team since his teens and has since become Italy's undisputed ace. His spikes, which make use of his height and flexibility, and his sharp jump serve are a threat.
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