The Thai women`s national volleyball team has successfully navigated the precarious waters of the Volleyball Nations League (VNL) 2025, securing their position in the elite competition for the 2026 season. Their survival hinged on a single, crucial match against Canada in Arlington, USA, where they needed to claim a minimum of two sets to earn the necessary point and avoid relegation.
Entering their final preliminary phase match positioned 18th in the standings, just one win and five points to their name, Thailand faced a direct comparison with their Asian counterparts, South Korea. Both teams were battling to avoid the bottom spot, and the math was clear: secure two sets, secure elite status. Anything less would open the door for Korea.
The match itself was a tense, five-set thriller, ultimately ending in a 3-2 victory for Canada with set scores of 17-25, 25-23, 30-28, 23-25, 15-13. While the final scoreline indicated a loss, Thailand`s strategic victory came in winning the second and fourth sets. These two set wins guaranteed them the single point required, pushing them just ahead of Korea in the standings and confirming their presence in the VNL 2026.
Key to Thailand`s successful mission were standout performances from captain **Ajcharaporn Kongyot** and opposite **Pimpichaya Kokram**. Kongyot delivered an impressive 27 points, comprising 26 kills and one ace, stepping up decisively when the team needed her most. Kokram provided robust support, adding 23 points, all from successful attacks. Their offensive power was instrumental in claiming the critical sets.
The Canadian team also showcased strong individual efforts. Outside hitter **Hilary Johnson** led her side with 25 points (22 kills, two blocks, one ace), while middle blocker **Emily Maglio** was highly effective, contributing 19 points through ten kills, eight blocks, and one ace. Despite their hard-fought win, Canada finished the VNL 2025 preliminary phase in 16th place.
For South Korea, this result marks an unfortunate end to their run in the VNL elite. Having participated in every edition since the tournament`s inception in 2018, with a best finish of 12th, their relegation paves the way for a new national team to join the ranks in 2026. The spot will be filled by the highest-ranked team in the FIVB World Ranking that did not compete in the VNL 2025 edition.
Thailand`s ability to achieve their primary objective despite the pressures and challenges faced throughout the season, including reported injuries within the squad, underscores their resilience and determination. The strategic win of two sets was sufficient, transforming a match defeat into a competitive triumph and ensuring they remain among the world`s top volleyball nations for another year.
