Brazil advances to VNL semifinals after beating Japan

On July 22, 2026 in Macau, China, the Brazilian women’s volleyball team overturned an opening‑set loss to defeat Japan 3 sets to 1 (24‑26, 25‑22, 25‑16, 25‑20). Star opposite Ana Cristina led with 30 points and Julia Bergmann added 24, securing Brazil’s seventh semifinal appearance in eight editions of the Volleyball Nations League (VNL). The victory sets up a semifinal against Italy.

In the same quarter‑final round, Italy defeated the Netherlands 3 sets to 0 (25‑21, 25‑16, 25‑16) in Macau, confirming the Azzurre’s place in the semifinal and ensuring the Brazil‑Italy showdown.

Both results were part of the VNL Finals, with the venue’s East Asian Games Dome hosting the decisive matches.