Australia and Korea Advance to Semifinals of the 2026 AVC Men's Volleyball Championship

The 2026 AVC Men's Volleyball Championship in Japan delivered dramatic quarterfinal action on September 10. Australia and South Korea booked their semifinal spots with contrasting performances. Australia defeated Thailand in straight sets (25-22, 26-24, 25-19) to advance. Despite Thailand topping their pool, Australia's disciplined play and composed side-out system proved decisive. Lorenzo Pope led with 17 points, while Lincoln Williams added 15. The win highlighted Australia's consistent control, especially in a tight second set. In a more tense match, South Korea rallied from a first-set loss to beat China 3-1 (17-25, 25-21, 25-22, 29-27). China dominated the opening set thanks to an outstanding blocking performance (17 blocks total, a tournament high). However, South Korea adjusted tactically, targeting the wings and using soft shots to neutralize China's height. Im Donghyeok and Heo each scored 21 points, carrying 71% of the team's offense. Li Yongzhen and Wang tallied 16 points each for China, but their transition game lagged. The other quarterfinals saw Iran beat Chinese Taipei, and Japan defeat India. The semifinals will feature Australia vs. Iran and South Korea vs. Japan—a classic rivalry renewed. The championship carries high stakes: the winner qualifies directly for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, and the top three earn spots in the 2027 World Cup. Australia, undefeated so far, looks the most balanced; South Korea must improve serve receive and reduce reliance on its duo to challenge Japan. China, despite elimination, can build on its elite blocking but needs to develop its finishing attack.