Thailand beat Taiwan in five sets to top Asian volleyball pool
Thailand beat Taiwan 3-2 to finish top of Pool C at the 2026 Asian men’s volleyball championship, keeping their Olympic hopes alive.
Thailand’s men’s volleyball team fought back to defeat Chinese Taipei (Taiwan) 3-2 on Wednesday (September 9), securing first place in Pool C and progressing to the quarter-finals of the 2026 Asian Men’s Volleyball Championship in Fukuoka, Japan.
The Thai team won 25-23, 22-25, 23-25, 25-22, 15-10, completing the preliminary round unbeaten with three victories and seven points.
After taking the opening set, Thailand lost the next two before recovering to win the fourth and force a decider. They then secured the fifth set 15-10, keeping their hopes of qualifying for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games alive.
Olympic and World Cup places at stake
The Asian Volleyball Confederation (AVC) tournament carries significant qualification stakes. Only the champions will secure a direct place at the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles, United States.
The top three eligible finishers will also qualify for the 2027 FIVB Men’s Volleyball World Cup, organised by the International Volleyball Federation (FIVB).
Provisional overall standings
The standings in the September 9 update, issued at 2.20pm, were:
|
Position |
Team |
Pool |
Played |
Won |
Lost |
Points |
|
1 |
Japan (hosts) |
A |
3 |
3 |
0 |
9 |
|
2 |
Thailand |
C |
3 |
3 |
0 |
7 |
|
3 |
Iran |
B |
2 |
2 |
0 |
6 |
|
4 |
South Korea |
C |
3 |
2 |
1 |
7 |
|
5 |
China |
B |
2 |
2 |
0 |
6 |
|
6 |
Australia |
A |
3 |
2 |
1 |
6 |
|
7 |
Taiwan |
C |
3 |
1 |
2 |
4 |
|
8 |
India |
B |
3 |
1 |
2 |
3 |
|
9 |
Bahrain |
A |
3 |
1 |
2 |
3 |
|
10 |
Oman |
A |
3 |
0 |
3 |
0 |
|
11 |
Qatar |
C |
3 |
0 |
3 |
0 |
|
12 |
New Zealand |
B |
3 |
0 |
3 |
0 |
Thailand squad
Setters: Narongrit Janpirom and Boonyarid Wongtorn.
Liberos: Nakharin Inthanu and Pakkapong Kwangnok.
Opposite hitters: Suwit Mahasiriyothin and Napadet Bhinijdee.
Middle blockers: Anuchit Pakdeekaew, Toopadit Phraput, Prasert Pinkaew and Kiadtiphum Ramsin.
Outside hitters: Chaiwat Thungkham, Anurak Phanram, Thanat Bamrungphakdi and Jakkrit Thanomnoi.
Where to watch
Fans can follow the championship on Monomax Sports, Channel 29, with free live coverage available on television and online.
