Türkiye to face Italy in world championship final after historic semifinal victorie

Türkiye will face Italy in Sunday's FIVB Women's World Volleyball Championship final after both teams secured semifinal victories Thursday in Bangkok, setting up a showdown between two nations seeking their first world title.

Türkiye's national women's volleyball team made history by advancing to their first-ever World Championship final after defeating Japan 3-1. After losing the opening set 25-16, Türkiye rallied to win the next three sets with scores of 25-17, 25-18, and 27-25 in a closely contested fourth set.

Italy survives five-set thriller against Brazil

Italy earned their spot in the final by defeating Brazil 3-2 in a marathon semifinal match. The Italians won the decisive fifth set 15-13 after set scores of 22-25, 25-22, 28-30, 25-22, and 15-13, setting up the championship showdown with Türkiye.

Players of Türkiye celebrate after a score during the FIVB Women’s Volleyball World Championship semi-final match between Türkiye and Japan at Huamark Indoor Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand, Sep. 06, 2025. (AA Photo)

Türkiye's breakthrough moment on world stage

Advancement to the finals marks a breakthrough moment for Turkish women's volleyball. The team first participated in the World Championship in 2006, finishing 10th.

Their previous best result came in 2010 when they placed sixth with seven wins and seven losses in the tournament held every four years. Since then, Türkiye has competed in every World Championship, finishing ninth in 2014, 10th in 2018, and eighth in 2022.

September 06, 2025 06:49 PM GMT+03:00