Japan women's volleyball team faces Brazil in Nations League quarterfinal

Japan’s women’s national volleyball team, ranked sixth worldwide, met Brazil, the tournament’s No. 2 seed, in the quarter‑finals of the 2026 Nations League in Macau, China on 22 July. Japan took the opening set 26‑24 after a tight contest, with setter Kana Kanno delivering consecutive service aces and middle blocker Yamada Ni‑chika adding a decisive block. The match determines whether Japan can return to the podium for the first time since earning a silver medal at the 2024 edition.

Brazil entered without star outside hitter Gabriela Gimares, who is sidelined by injury, while Japan’s lineup featured captain Maiko Ishikawa, outside hitters Yuki Wada and Satomi Sato, and libero Masami Fukudome. A win secures Japan’s progression to the semifinals; a loss ends their campaign.