At the start of the week, Brazil, which lead the VNL 2025 with seven wins and 20 points, Japan, which are fourth, with five wins and 15 points, and Argentina, which rank seventh with five wins and 13 points, are all inside the qualification zone for the Finals.
Germany are the first team outside the qualification zone, appearing in eighth place with four wins and 15 points, while the United States are not too far behind, in 13th, with four wins and ten points. Türkiye, which are 16th with two wins and six points, still have slim chances of qualifying, but are perhaps more actively fighting to avoid relegation at this point.
The only team in the VNL 2025 to get to seven victories so far, Brazil are in a comfortable position to qualify – they need a pair of wins in Chiba this week to seal the deal regardless of other results. The firepower of star opposite Alan Souza, which earned them 97 points so far in the VNL, has been one of the team’s main strengths in the tournament alongside the solid play of Fernando ‘Cachopa’ Kreling, the tournament’s leading setter with 275 successful actions, and libero Maique Nascimento, who ranks second in digs (64). The South Americans could have a significant addition to their squad this week as star outside hitter Ricardo Lucarelli could finally make his VNL 2025 debut in Japan.
“The atmosphere in our team has been really good,” Lucarelli said. “Being the oldest player in the team now, it’s been great to see everyone working together. We’re happy with what we’ve done so far, but it’s not enough. This is going to be a tough week and we want to show our best game again.”