Exploring the path of Thailand's women's national volleyball team, highlighting two factors that greatly increase their chances of avoiding relegation in VNL 2026.
On 28 Jan 2026 GMT+7, in the 2025 Women's Volleyball Nations League (VNL 2025), Thailand's national team narrowly lost to Canada 2-3 sets but earned an important point, bringing their total to 6 points. This moved them up to 17th place on the standings, above South Korea, who finished last with 5 points. This secured Thailand's narrow escape from relegation and qualification for VNL 2026.
However, what is even more interesting is that when examining the VNL 2026 schedule, it is clear that everything is perfectly aligned in favor of Thailand’s national team.
One major challenge that has consistently drained Thai athletes is traveling across continents and adjusting to time zones differing by more than 10 hours. But in VNL 2026, Thailand’s entire three-week schedule will be within Asia.
Week 1: China (Nanjing), from 3-7 Jun 2026 GMT+7
Opponents: Serbia, Belgium, China, Czech Republic
Week 2: Official announcement pending (likely Thailand), from 17-21 Jun 2026 GMT+7
Opponents: Ukraine, Canada, Netherlands, Bulgaria
Week 3: Japan (Kansai), from 8-12 Jul 2026 GMT+7
Opponents: Brazil, Turkey, Japan, United States
With the VNL featuring 18 teams playing 12 matches each, not all teams face each other. The good news is Thailand avoids the five teams that have clearly dominated them recently:
Poland – strong blocking and heavy play
Germany – resilient and difficult to beat
Italy – defending champions, strong in all aspects
France – aggressive offense with rapid progress
Dominican Republic – relying on power and physical impact
VNL 2026 has 18 teams with one relegated (18th place). Looking at the remaining opponents on the schedule:
World-class teams (tough to beat but not impossible): China, Brazil, United States, Turkey, Serbia, Japan
Teams Thailand can compete with for points: Canada, Netherlands
Teams Thailand must beat (main targets): Ukraine, Bulgaria, Belgium, Czech Republic
With such a favorable schedule, if the Thai women maintain their playing standard and avoid injuries, their chance of avoiding relegation is as high as 90%, with a realistic prospect of finishing 10th to 12th in the standings.