Japan, China battle for 2026 Asian Women’s Volleyball Olympic berth

The 2026 Asian Women’s Volleyball Championship will be held in Tianjin, China from August 21‑30, featuring 12 national teams divided into three groups. Group C includes Japan (world rank 6), South Korea (rank 30), Vietnam (rank 28) and Hong Kong (rank 108). Group A hosts China (rank 7) with Chinese Taipei, Iran and Iraq. The champion secures a direct berth to the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games, while the top three earn spots in the 2027 FIVB World Cup.

Chinese media stresses that "the biggest challenge is Japan," indicating a likely showdown between the hosts and Japan. South Korea’s campaign also draws attention as the only other team in Japan’s group, seeking to improve on its 2023 sixth‑place finish. The tournament’s outcomes will determine the Asian representatives for the upcoming Olympic and World Cup events.