Thailand and China contest 2026 AVC title with LA28 place at stake
Thailand's 3-1 semi-final victory over Japan secured a 2027 World Championship berth and set up a title decider with direct Olympic qualification on offer.
- Thailand and China will compete in the final of the 2026 AVC Women’s Volleyball Continental Championship.
- The winner of the final match will be crowned the Asian continental champion.
- At stake for the winning team is an automatic qualification spot for the women's volleyball competition at the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games (LA28).
- Thailand advanced to the final after defeating Japan, while host nation China beat Iran in the semi-finals.
The 2026 AVC Women’s Volleyball Continental Championship, the tournament's 23rd edition, is being held at Tianjin Olympic Centre Gymnasium in Tianjin, the People’s Republic of China.
Thailand faced Japan in the semi-finals on Saturday (August 29, 2026).
Thailand combined a strong attack and solid defence with a determined performance to defeat Japan 3-1 (25-21, 25-20, 20-25, 25-20), delighting Thai sports fans.
The victory sent Thailand into the final and guaranteed a top-three finish, securing qualification for the 2027 FIVB Volleyball Women’s World Championship.
In the other semi-final, hosts China swept Iran 3-0 (25-22, 25-12, 25-19), setting up a blockbuster continental showdown with Thailand.
The final has more than the prestige of the Asian title at stake; it is also a ‘decisive contest’ for a place on the global stage.
The team that wins the tournament will qualify automatically for the women’s volleyball competition at the 2028 Olympic Games (LA28) in Los Angeles, United States.
This makes the match between Thailand and China hugely significant for both nations.
Thailand women’s national volleyball team squad
- Setters: Pornpun Guedpard, Natthanicha Jaisaen
- Middle blockers: Thatdao Nuekjang, Kaewkalaya Kamulthala, Wimonrat Thanapan, Kanyarat Kunmueang
- Outside hitters and opposites: Ajcharaporn Kongyot, Chatchu-On Moksri, Pimpichaya Kokram, Sasipapron Janthawisut, Warisara Seetaloed
- Liberos: Piyanut Pannoy, Jidapa Nahuanong, Kalyarat Khamwong
Fixtures and live coverage for Sunday (August 30)
Supporters can cheer on Thailand in the historic match, with the schedule as follows:
- 2.15pm: Third-place play-off, Japan v Iran
- 5.45pm: Final, China v Thailand
Thai volleyball fans can watch the Thailand-China match live in HD online and on digital television.
- MONOMAX Sports, Channel 29 (free live coverage on digital television and online)
- MONOMAX app and website
