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Türkiye's national women's volleyball team started the second week of the 2026 FIVB Volleyball Nations League (VNL) Ankara stage with a strong 3-0 win against Belgium on Thursday.
The match took place at Ankara Sports Hall in front of about 10,000 fans and lasted 82 minutes. The set scores were 25-14, 25-13, and 25-23.
Türkiye quickly took control in the first set, jumping to an 8-4 lead with strong plays from outside hitter Melissa Vargas. Middle blocker Sinead Jack Kisal was also key at the net, leading to a Belgium timeout at 12-4. Türkiye finished the set 25-14.
The second set played out much the same way. Türkiye pulled ahead 10-6, and Belgium's mistakes helped the hosts widen the gap to 16-9. Setter Elif Sahin played a big role, and Türkiye took the set 25-13.
Belgium put up more of a fight in the third set, tying the score at 13 after some mistakes by Türkiye. Vargas helped Türkiye take back the lead, and they finished the set 25-23 to win the match 3-0.
With this result, Türkiye now has three wins and two losses in the VNL. Belgium has lost three times in the tournament.
Türkiye has now beaten Belgium six times in a row. Belgium last won against Türkiye in 2019.
Outside hitter Saliha Sahin said the team prepared well and thanked the home fans. "We prepared very well for this match. We also had the advantage of playing at home. We are very happy to have won three-nil. I also want to thank the Ankara crowd very much. This was our first match in Ankara," she said.
Middle blocker Sinead Jack-Kisal highlighted the team's communication, even when play was inconsistent.
"There were ups and downs during the match, but we managed to communicate and fought to win in the end. The Ankara crowd also gives us incredible energy. I am proud to be a part of it," she said.
Jack-Kisal also spoke about the next match against France. "We do not underestimate any team. I think we just need to play our best volleyball," she added.
Outside hitter Defne Basyolcu, who played in front of one of the biggest crowds of her career, said the atmosphere was unforgettable.
"All of us tried to do our best. I especially want to thank the Ankara crowd. The atmosphere was wonderful. I hope everyone gets to experience this feeling," she said.
Türkiye will play France on Friday at 7:30 p.m. local time in their second match of the Ankara stage. Türkiye has won its last four official games against France. France has one win and four losses so far in the tournament.
Türkiye's remaining Ankara stage schedule:
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