Ankara: Trkiye's national women's volleyball team secured their second FIVB Volleyball Nations League (VNL) title by defeating Brazil 3-1 in a gripping final held at the East Asian Games Dome in Macau, China's Special Administrative Region. The match saw Trkiye overcoming the world's second-ranked team, Brazil, in four sets with scores of 23-25, 25-23, 26-24, and 25-21, marking their second VNL triumph following their 2023 victory.
According to Anadolu Agency, Melissa Vargas, Trkiye's opposite hitter, emerged as the top scorer of the match, showcasing her prowess on the court. She was closely followed by Hande Baladin, the national team's outside hitter, who contributed 19 points to secure the victory.
Trkiye's victory in the 2026 edition of the VNL marks their return to the top, having consistently reached the final stage each year since the competition's inception in 2018. The national team first claimed the title in 2023 by defeating China and had previously finished as runners-up to the US in 2018. With a record of two gold medals, one silver, and one bronze, Trkiye has established itself as a formidable force in the history of the VNL.
Under the guidance of head coach Daniele Santarelli, Trkiye continues to excel on the international stage. Santarelli, who took charge of the national team in 2023, has guided them to three gold medals, including two VNL titles and a European Championship victory in 2023. Additionally, he led the team to a silver medal at the 2025 FIVB Women's World Championship, bringing his total medal count with Trkiye to four.
The final also served as a moment of redemption for Trkiye, who avenged their loss to Brazil in the bronze medal match at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games. The victory over Brazil in the 2026 VNL final was a significant achievement, highlighting Trkiye's growth and resilience on the world stage.
Brazil, on the other hand, faced disappointment in their fifth final appearance in the VNL's eight-year history. Having previously lost to the US in 2018, 2019, and 2021, and to Italy in 2025, Brazil's pursuit of the VNL title continues, with Trkiye adding to their final woes in 2026.