Thai volleyballers shock Brazil with straight-sets win

Victory in Osaka keeps Thailand clear of relegation zone in Volleyball Nations League

PUBLISHED : 11 Jul 2026 at 16:21

The Thai women’s volleyball team shocked world No.2 Brazil with a straight-sets victory in the Volleyball Nations League tournament in Osaka on Saturday afternoon.

The decisive 25-15, 25-16, 25-17 win was the first in nine years over Brazil for Thailand, currently ranked 17th in the world.

Brazil had entered the closing week of the VNL 2026 preliminary round with nine wins from their first 10 matches.

While Thailand remain in 14th place in the 18-team VNL 2026 standings, the three points from the victory give them 12 points overall, leaving them seven points clear of the relegation zone.

Captained by world-class setter Pornpun Guedpard, Thailand dominated all three sets in their third match of the final preliminary-round week at Asue Arena, maintaining steady pressure to limit Brazil to 15 points in the first set.

The second and third sets also featured quick attacks and disciplined play that prevented Brazil from ever seizing the momentum.

Thatdao Nuekjang led all scorers with 15 points, followed by Pimpichaya Kokram with 12.

Thailand will face Turkey in their final preliminary-round match at 1.30pm Thailand time on Sunday. The match will be broadcast live on Monomax.