Ankara: Trkiye advanced on Thursday to the semifinals of the 2026 FIVB Women's Volleyball Nations League (VNL) with a 3-1 victory over Canada in Macau.

According to Anadolu Agency, the match took place in the East Asian Games Dome, where the Turkish side overcame an initial setback after losing the opening set to defeat fifth-seeded Canada with scores of 22-25, 25-21, 25-21, and 25-17.

Opposite hitter Melissa Vargas was a standout performer for Trkiye, contributing 27 points, comprised of 23 attacks and four aces. Hande Baladin also made a significant impact with 14 points, including 13 attacks and one block.

The Canadian team is coached by Giovanni Guidetti, who has been the head coach of the Turkish club VakifBank's women's volleyball team since 2008. Despite the loss, Canada's performance was commendable against a strong Turkish team.

This victory propels Trkiye to the VNL semifinals for the sixth time in the tournament's history. It also marks the team's sixth semifinal appearance in eight consecutive final-round participations since 2018. Trkiye is set to face the winner of Thursday's quarterfinal match between the US and China, with the game scheduled for 2.30 pm (1130GMT). The semifinals will take place on Saturday.