The second week of the 2025 FIVB Women’s Volleyball Nations League is upon us, and the global battle for supremacy shifts focus to three vibrant venues: Istanbul (Turkey), Hong Kong, and Belgrade (Serbia). With each match now carrying significant weight, national teams are intensely vying for a coveted spot in the final round, set to take place in Łódź, Poland.
Week 1 saw several teams establish early dominance. Italy, Japan, and the host nation, Türkiye, emerged with perfect 3-0 records, laying down strong markers for their title aspirations. Japan, remarkably, achieved this without dropping a single set – a feat Italy nearly matched, dropping only two sets on their way to maximum points. Poland, already guaranteed a spot in the finals as hosts, still seeks crucial wins to build momentum and test strategies.
European Fortunes Hang in the Balance
While some European powerhouses soared, others experienced a mixed bag of results. Teams like Germany (2-2), the Netherlands (2-2), Bulgaria (2-2), and Czechia (2-2) showed flashes of brilliance but also vulnerability. This week presents a vital opportunity for these squads to find consistency and climb the standings necessary for qualification.
The spotlight shines brightly on Türkiye as they welcome the tournament to Istanbul. Despite dropping five sets in the first week – perhaps a minor adjustment period for the reigning champions facing initial pressure – the home crowd`s energy is expected to provide a significant boost. Their schedule in Istanbul includes matchups against the Dominican Republic, Canada, the Republic of Korea, and a highly anticipated clash with Brazil. This particular match holds extra intrigue, marking the return of Brazilian superstar Gabi Guimaraes to the city where she spent five highly successful years with VakifBank. A win against a formidable opponent like Brazil would not only solidify Türkiye`s position but also offer a dramatic homecoming narrative, proving Istanbul remains a stronghold.
Meanwhile, Belgrade hosts another crucial European pool. For Serbia, the pressure is palpable. An unexpectedly challenging start saw them finish Week 1 with an 0-4 record. Playing on home soil, in front of their passionate fans, provides a critical chance for redemption and a desperate push to keep their final round hopes alive. They are joined by teams like France (1-3) and Belgium (1-3), who also need significant turnarounds to contend for qualification spots from their current precarious positions.
The Road Ahead
As the world`s elite and rising talents converge in these three cities, Week 2 promises the high-stakes drama, tactical battles, and individual brilliance that define the VNL. Every point, every set, every match contributes to the complex qualification picture. The path to Łódź is clearer for some than others, but the intensity is about to be dialed up considerably. Expect thrilling encounters as teams fight tooth and nail to secure their place among the best, knowing that hesitation now could mean the end of their VNL journey.
