USA, China and Korea keep unbeaten runs as Türkiye, Croatia, Italy and Chinese Taipei complete the final eight in Chile
Published 03:00, 13 Aug 2026
Thailand stopped Poland’s undefeated run with a four-set victory Wednesday to reach the quarterfinals of the FIVB Volleyball Girls’ U17 World Championship, while the United States, China and Korea remained unbeaten as the final eight was set.
Thailand, which finished fourth in Pool A, defeated Pool C winners Poland 3-1 (25-19, 25-21, 10-25, 25-23) in Santiago. Poland had won all five of its preliminary-round matches before the Round of 16.
Natthamon Ajchua led Thailand with 25 points, including 22 attacks, while Chayanut Inthanoo scored 19 and captain Chamikon Cankawe added 14. Thailand held a 60-50 advantage in attack, while Poland led 15-4 in blocks. Zuzanna Lange paced Poland with 16 points, followed by Gabriela Jakubowska with 13 and captain Aleksandra Wika with 12.
Thailand won the first two sets before Poland responded with a 25-10 third set. The fourth remained close, with Thailand taking it 25-23 to secure its place in the final eight.
The United States remained unbeaten with a 3-0 (25-15, 25-23, 25-15) victory over Argentina in Santiago. Kari Knotts and Maya Ogbogu each scored 16 points, while Julia Masselink added 13. The Americans finished with 47 attack points, eight blocks and nine aces, compared with Argentina’s 29 attacks, five blocks and three aces.
Defending champions China also maintained their unbeaten run, defeating the Dominican Republic 3-1 (25-18, 17-25, 25-19, 25-17) in San Felipe. Chen Xinyi led China with 15 points, Chen Ruihan added 13, and Zhao Yuhan and Zhang Yijia scored 10 each. China finished with 49 attack points and 10 aces.
Dominican Republic captain Rayni Merab Mondesi Arias delivered another high-scoring performance with 31 points, including 29 attacks and two blocks.
Korea became the third team to preserve an unbeaten record, defeating the Philippines 3-0 (25-21, 25-18, 25-14) in Los Andes. Captain Son Seoyeon scored 19 points, Eo Minseo added 15 and Jang Suin finished with 10. Caera Celis led the Philippines with 14 points.
Türkiye booked its quarterfinal place with a 3-0 (25-18, 25-7, 25-23) victory over Japan. Çağla Çağlayandere led Türkiye with 13 points, Zeynep Doğa Alpay scored 12 and captain Ecrin Selis Türkyaşar added 11. Türkiye held a 12-2 advantage in blocks, with Zeynep Bezircioğlu accounting for six.
In the all-European Round of 16 matchup, Croatia advanced after defeating Czechia 3-0 (25-21, 25-21, 25-19). Erin Ivezić led the match with 23 points, including 22 attacks, while captain Lana Drviš added 11 and Emilie Stojić scored 10. Croatia produced 44 attack points to Czechia’s 26.
Italy also moved into the final eight with a 3-0 (25-13, 25-11, 25-13) win over Peru in San Felipe. Hillary Uwadiae scored 15 points, Sveva Terzi added 14 and Beatrice Scalzotto finished with 12. Italy led 41-21 in attack and had a 13-1 advantage in aces.
Chinese Taipei completed the quarterfinal lineup with a 3-0 (25-21, 25-19, 25-22) victory over Venezuela. Chang Yun-Chen scored 19 points, Chan Tzu-Yun added 18 and Chen Ting-Yi had 14. Chinese Taipei finished with 47 attack points and 11 aces, with Chan accounting for seven of those service winners.
In the other matches, Brazil defeated Chile 3-1 (25-14, 20-25, 25-11, 25-12), Spain beat Egypt 3-1 (26-23, 26-21, 18-25, 25-16), Mexico swept Algeria 3-0 (25-12, 25-16, 25-18), and Tunisia edged Puerto Rico 3-2 (26-24, 22-25, 20-25, 26-17, 15-12).
Following a rest day Thursday, the competition resumes Friday with the quarterfinals. Italy will face the United States, Chinese Taipei will meet Thailand, Croatia will take on China, and Türkiye will play Korea. Classification matches will also continue across the other positions.
