The preliminary phase of the 2025 FIVB Volleyball Girls’ U19 World Championship has reached its dramatic conclusion, setting the stage for the intense knockout rounds. After a week of fierce competition across courts in Osijek, Croatia, and Vrnjacka Banja, Serbia, sixteen teams have earned their passage to the Eighthfinals. Notably, Argentina and Thailand secured the last two highly coveted berths in a finish that saw some teams celebrating by the narrowest of margins, while others faced the disappointment of heading to the classification playoffs.
For Argentina, qualification came after a tense five-set victory over the Dominican Republic (3-2), where 14-year-old Sofia Emilia Baldo delivered a match-high 24 points. Their fate, however, hinged on the outcome of the final Pool B match between Chinese Taipei and Puerto Rico. A win of any kind for Puerto Rico would have sent them through, but Chinese Taipei secured a 3-2 win, pushing Argentina into the top 16 by the narrowest of margins.
Thailand`s path was equally nail-biting. Despite falling 3-2 to undefeated pool leaders Croatia, snatching those crucial two sets was just enough. This performance saw them edge ahead of Canada and Egypt in Pool A based on sets won, securing their spot and leaving their competitors to vie for the 17th place.
The Road Ahead: Eighthfinal Matchups Confirmed
With the pool stage sorted, the bracket for the Round of 16 is now set, promising a series of high-stakes encounters:
- Croatia v Türkiye
- Germany v USA
- Bulgaria v Mexico
- Poland v Thailand
- Brazil v Belgium
- Chinese Taipei v Japan
- China v Serbia
- Italy v Argentina
The host nations, Croatia and Serbia (who finished second in their pool), face tough challenges against Türkiye and China, respectively. Defending champions USA take on Germany, while Poland, the only other team besides Italy and Brazil to finish the group stage undefeated, will face the newly qualified Thailand.
Classification Matches Set
Teams that did not qualify for the Eighthfinals will compete in playoff matches for places 17 through 24. These matchups are:
- Canada v Peru
- Spain v Egypt
- Puerto Rico v Tunisia
- Chile v Dominican Republic
Pool Stage Highlights: A Quick Recap
The pool stage was not short on action or individual brilliance:
Pool A
Croatia topped the group undefeated (5-0), though tested by Thailand in a five-setter. Germany finished second (4-1), Mexico third (3-2), and Thailand fourth (1-4), clinching the final spot. Canada and Egypt (both 1-4) finished outside the top four.
Pool B
Brazil dominated Pool B with a perfect 5-0 record. Chinese Taipei secured second place (4-1), followed by hosts Serbia in third (3-2). Argentina claimed the fourth spot (2-3) in dramatic fashion, benefiting from Puerto Rico`s 3-2 loss to Chinese Taipei. Dominican Republic finished winless (0-5).
Pool C
Poland was another team to finish the group stage undefeated (5-0). Bulgaria secured second place (4-1), followed by USA (3-2) and Türkiye (2-3). Spain (1-4) and Peru (0-5) did not advance.
Pool D
Italy finished strongly to top Pool D with an unblemished 5-0 record after a challenging win against Japan. China secured second place (4-1), with Japan finishing third (3-2) and Belgium fourth (2-3). Chile (1-4) and Tunisia (0-5) will play in the classification rounds.
With the preliminary round complete, the teams now embark on the win-or-go-home phase of the tournament. The road to the medal games on Sunday is clear, and the competition is expected to intensify as national pride and championship dreams are on the line.
