The preliminary phase of the Women's Volleyball Nations League concluded with dramatic outcomes on the final competition day. The USA finished in first place, and Italy, Brazil, Turkey, Canada, Japan, the Netherlands, and host China joined the Final Eight in Macao. The big loser on the last day was Bulgaria, which was relegated from the tournament after its defeat to Germany and Ukraine's victory over Belgium. Poland remained out of the finals after squandering a 2-0 set lead against Japan.

Belgium – Ukraine 0:3 (23:25, 20:25, 13:25)

Ukraine achieved its most important victory in the tournament and secured its place in the Nations League in its debut appearance. The success over Belgium ended Bulgaria's hopes of retaining its place in the elite. Valeria Nudga, Diana Meliushkina, and Oleksandra Milenko each scored 10 points for the winners.

USA – Brazil 3:0 (26:24, 25:22, 25:16)

The Americans won the direct clash for the top of the standings and finished the regular season in first place. Brazil remained third after also being overtaken by Italy. Avery Skinner finished with 21 points, and Jordan Thompson added 16.

Thailand – Turkey 1:3 (27:25, 21:25, 19:25, 22:25)

Turkey overturned Thailand after losing the first set and secured fourth place before the finals in Macao. Daniele Santarelli's team dominated in blocks with 18 points. Melissa Vargas and Pimpichaya Kokram were the top scorers with 25 points each.

Canada – Dominican Republic 3:1 (25:20, 17:25, 25:22, 25:18)

Canada concluded the preliminary phase with its eighth victory and finished in fifth place, thereby securing its first-ever participation in the Final Eight. Kiera Van Ryk scored 21 points, and Alexa Gray added 20. The Dominican Republic remained in 15th position.

Japan – Poland 3:2 (20:25, 14:25, 25:19, 25:21, 15:13)

Japan made an impressive comeback from 0-2 sets down and snatched the last spot for the final tournament. Poland missed an excellent opportunity to qualify for Macao, having controlled the first half of the match. Yukiko Wada finished with 27 points for the hosts.

France – Czechia 2:3 (12:25, 25:21, 25:22, 17:25, 18:20)

Czechia concluded its participation with a dramatic victory after a tie-break and finished the preliminary phase in tenth place. France also remained outside the relegation zone, having already secured its stay before the match. Ela Kulisiani and Magdalena Jehlářová were among the strongest for the Czechs.

China – Italy 2:3 (19:25, 25:21, 25:22, 12:25, 12:15)

Italy finished with its tenth victory and secured second place in the final standings. China conceded after five sets, but will participate in the Final Eight as the host of the tournament in Macao. Ekaterina Antropova played another strong match with 28 points.

Bulgaria – Germany 0:3 (20:25, 20:25, 15:25)

Bulgaria concluded its participation with a loss and was relegated from the Nations League. Ukraine's success earlier in the day made the match against Germany irrelevant for their stay, and the defeat also sent the national team out of the top 30 in the world rankings. Darina Naneva was the top scorer for the Bulgarian team with 11 points.

Serbia – Netherlands 3:0 (25:23, 25:19, 25:15)

Serbia concluded its participation with a prestigious victory over the Netherlands team, which had already qualified for the finals. Despite the defeat, the "Oranje" maintained seventh place and will play in Macao. Aleksandra Uzelac led the Serbians with 17 points.

Final standings after the preliminary phase

*China qualified for the Final Eight as host of the tournament in Macau.

After the end of the preliminary phase, the quarter-final pairs for the Final Eight in Macau, which will take place from July 22 to 26, are now clear.

Quarter-final schedule in Macau (July 22-23) - Bulgarian time

July 22
11:00 AM –USA – China
02:30 PM –Italy – Netherlands

July 23
11:00 AM –Brazil – Japan
02:30 PM –Turkey – Canada