(Sports Correspondent: Imran Sohail)
FIVB Women’s World Championship 2025: Pool C Preview – Brazil, Puerto Rico, France & Greece
The FIVB Volleyball Women’s World Championship 2025 is set to kick off in Thailand from August 22 to September 7, bringing together the world’s top volleyball teams in an exciting new 32-team format. The tournament will be hosted across Bangkok, Nakhon Ratchasima, Phuket, and Chiang Mai, with the top two teams from each pool advancing to the elimination rounds in Bangkok.
Pool C Match Schedule – Chiang Mai
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Aug 22: Puerto Rico vs France – 16:00 local (09:00 GMT)
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Aug 22: Brazil vs Greece – 19:30 local (12:30 GMT)
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Aug 24: Puerto Rico vs Greece – 16:00 local (09:00 GMT)
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Aug 24: Brazil vs France – 19:30 local (12:30 GMT)
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Aug 26: France vs Greece – 16:00 local (09:00 GMT)
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Aug 26: Brazil vs Puerto Rico – 19:30 local (12:30 GMT)
Brazil
World Ranking: 2nd | Previous Medals: 5 (Silver – 1994, 2006, 2010, 2022; Bronze – 2014)
Brazil qualified via the 2023 South American Championship and will make their 18th appearance. Coached by legendary José ‘Zé Roberto’ Guimarães, the team features returning stars like Gabi Guimarães, Macris Carneiro, Roberta Ratzke, Rosamaria Montibeller, Kisy Nascimento, Tainara Santos, Julia Kudiess, and Lorena Viezel.
Puerto Rico
World Ranking: 18th | Best Finish: 12th (2002)
Puerto Rico returns for their seventh consecutive appearance. Veteran coach Juan Carlos Núñez leads the team, relying on experienced players like setter Natalia Valentín Anderson and libero Shara Venegas, supported by middle blockers Neira Ortiz, Alba Hernández, opposite Decelise Champión, and outside hitter Valeria Vázquez.
France
World Ranking: 15th | Return after: 50+ years
France earned a spot through the FIVB World Ranking and returns after decades. Under Spanish coach Cesar Hernández, key players include setter Nina Stojiljković, opposites Iman Ndiaye and Lucille Gicquel, outside hitter Héléna Cazaute, middle blocker Amandha Sylves, and libero Juliette Gelin.
Greece
World Ranking: 30th | Previous Appearance: 2002 – 11th place
Greece qualified via the FIVB ranking for their second-ever appearance. Outside hitter Anthí Vasilantonáki suffered a pre-tournament injury, leaving coach Apostolos Oikonomou to depend on setter Lampriní Konstantinídou, opposite Mártha Anthoúli, outside hitter Ólga Strántzali, and middle blocker Georgia Lamproúsi to drive the team forward.
Key Takeaways
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Pool C features a tough battle for two spots in the next round.
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Brazil enters as favorites, but Puerto Rico, France, and Greece will all fight hard for a chance to advance.
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Fans can watch all matches live on VBTV, with pool play running August 22-27 and elimination rounds in Bangkok starting August 29.
