Japan W vs Thailand W

Thailand seized control from the opening exchanges, taking the first set 25-21 with efficient hitting and disciplined blocking that disrupted Japan's quick-structured offence. The defending champions doubled their lead in the second set (25-20), exploiting gaps in Japan's coverage and forcing the tournament's only remaining unbeaten side onto the back foot.

Japan showed the resilience that had carried them through four straight-set victories earlier in the tournament, rallying to take the third set 25-20. Opposite Yukiko Wada provided the offensive spark, but Thailand restored order in the fourth set (25-20) to close out the match in just under two hours.

Japan's third-set recovery (25-20) briefly shifted momentum, cutting the deficit to 2-1 and raising the prospect of a fifth-set decider. However, Thailand's service pressure in the fourth set disrupted Japan's passing rhythm early, and a 5-0 run midway through the frame proved decisive. Thailand never trailed after 8-8 in the fourth.

Pimpichaya Kokram (Thailand) — The star opposite, who scored 19 points in the quarter-final against Korea, was again Thailand's primary attacking weapon. Her power from the right side and ability to score under pressure made her the go-to option in the closing stages of tight rallies.

Chatchu-On Moksri (Thailand) — The outside hitter contributed consistently in all phases, scoring in double figures with a blend of sharp cross-court attacks and defensive reads that steadied Thailand during Japan's third-set surge.

Yukiko Wada (Japan) — Japan's opposite carried the scoring load, leading her side's attack and sparking the third-set fightback. She had posted a match-high 19 points in Japan's quarter-final win over Chinese Taipei.

Mayu Ishikawa (Japan) — The captain and star outside hitter fought hard on both sides of the ball, but Thailand's blocking schemes limited her conversion rate in the crucial moments.

Thailand's 3-1 victory reflected a match where the defending champions held the tactical edge in the key moments. The set scores — 25-21, 25-20, 20-25, 25-20 — show that Thailand dictated the tempo in three of the four sets, while Japan's sole set win required a significant effort spike. Japan had not dropped a single set in four matches before this semi-final.

Thailand advance to Sunday's final (30 August, 10:45 UTC) where they will face the winner of the other semi-final between China and Iran. The champions qualify directly for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games, while the top three finishers earn places at the 2027 FIVB Women's World Championship.

Japan will contest the third-place match on Sunday (07:15 UTC) against the loser of China vs Iran, with a World Cup spot still on the line.

Thailand brought the tactical discipline and composure of champions when it mattered most. They absorbed Japan's best punch in the third set and responded without panic. Japan's unbeaten tournament run ended at the worst possible time, but their depth suggests they remain a contender for the podium places.