Turkiye and China Advance to VNL Semifinal Showdown in Macao

Posted : 24 July 2026

Turkiye and China booked their places in the semifinals of the 2026 FIVB Women's Volleyball Nations League after overcoming Canada and the United States respectively in two thrilling quarterfinals in Macao.

Turkiye recovered from losing the opening set to defeat Canada 3-1 (22-25, 25-21, 25-21, 25-17), reaching the VNL semifinals for the sixth time and returning to the last four for the first time since 2023.

Melissa Vargas once again proved the difference for the Turkish side, producing a match-high 27 points, including four aces, while attacking at an impressive 54 percent success rate. Hande Baladin contributed 14 points, Zehra Gunes added 12 with three blocks and two aces, and Ilkin Aydin finished with 11 points.

Canada made an excellent start behind the powerful attacking of Kiera Van Ryk, who matched Vargas with 27 points, including four aces. Alexa Gray and Abagayle Guezen also scored 14 points each as the Canadians impressed in their first-ever appearance at the VNL Finals.

Despite Canada recording more spike kills, Turkiye limited its unforced errors to just 12 compared to Canada's 23. The Turkish team also held advantages in service aces and blocking, which proved decisive after rallying from five points down in the third set before taking control of the match.

Hande Baladin praised her team's continued development after the victory, saying the squad keeps improving with every match and that she is proud of the progress they have made throughout the tournament.

The second quarterfinal produced even greater drama as hosts China delighted more than 4,400 fans with a thrilling 3-2 victory over preliminary phase winners the United States. China prevailed 15-25, 25-23, 25-20, 17-25, 15-13 to reach the VNL semifinals for the first time since 2023.

After a one-sided opening set dominated by the Americans, China responded with resilience to level the contest before taking the third set. The United States forced a deciding fifth set, but the home side twice recovered from three-point deficits before 18-year-old Wang Aoqian delivered the winning point to complete the upset.

Zhuang Yushan led China's scoring with 17 points, while captain Gong Xiangyu added 15. Tang Xin contributed 13 points and Wang Yuanyuan finished with 12 as China capitalised on superior blocking and fewer unforced errors to secure victory.

The United States enjoyed a significant advantage in attacking points, with Jordan Thompson leading all American scorers with 24 points. Dana Rettke added 18 points, while Logan Eggleston, Avery Skinner and Asjia O'Neal also reached double figures. However, the three-time VNL champions fell short of the semifinals for a third consecutive year.

Following Friday's rest day, the semifinals on Saturday will see defending champions Italy face Brazil, while Turkiye and China meet for a place in Sunday's championship match.

Turkiye and China Advance to VNL Semifinal Showdown in Macao

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