The women’s teams of Thailand and Canada are both heading to Los Angeles for the 2028 Summer Olympics volleyball tournament after winning their respective continental championships.
Thailand, Canada, and the United States are the first three nations to qualify for the LA28 Olympics, with the American team securing an automatic spot as host of the Games.
Nine more spots are still available for the indoor women’s volleyball tournament.
Three of the slots will be coming from the winners of the 2026 Women’s African Nations Volleyball Championship, the 2026 Women’s European Volleyball Championship, and the 2026 Women’s South American Volleyball Championship.
The top three countries at the FIVB Volleyball World Championships 2027 will also qualify for the LA28 Olympics.
The three remaining spots will go to the highest-ranked women’s teams based on the FIVB’s world rankings after the first stage of the 2028 Volleyball Nations League.
Thailand defend AVC title
Thailand secured their LA28 Olympics slot on Sunday after defending their AVC Women’s Volleyball Continental Championship title against China.
The championship match was held at the Tianjin Olympic Centre Gymnasium, with Thailand beating China in five sets, 25-20, 11-25, 23-25, 25-18, 15-10.
Outside hitter Sasipaporn Janthawisut led Thailand’s fight for an Olympics spot, scoring 28 points after the match. Thatdao Nuekjang and Chatchu-On Moksri also contributed 18 and 17 points, respectively.
Thailand won the continental championships in 2009, 2013, and 2023, but the team has failed to qualify for previous Summer Games.
Thailand’s upcoming Olympic debut will also heal the hearts of many Thai volleyball fans after the team’s fallout during the 2016 continental finals match against Japan.
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Long wait is over
Canada’s long wait for an Olympics spot also came to an end last Saturday after winning the 2026 Women’s NORCECA Volleyball Championship.
The Canadian women’s team defeated tournament hosts Dominican Republic at the Prof. Ricardo Gioriver Arias Volleyball Palace in three sets.
The three scores, 25-15, 20-25, 25-23, 25-14, secured the end to the nation’s 32-year absence from the Summer Games.
Kiera Van Ryk and Alexa Gray led their team’s fight for an Olympics spot, scoring 22 points apiece. Nyadholi Thokbuom also contributed 11 points during the match.
Road to LA28 Olympics
All three women’s teams already qualified for the LA28 Olympics will have the chance to improve their skills and co-ordination at the FIVB Women’s Volleyball World Cup next year before the Summer Games in 2028.
The international volleyball tournament will be held from August 20 to September 5, 2027, with Canada and the United States serving as hosts.
Meanwhile, the FIVB also recognised the recent wins of Thailand and Canada in their respective continental championships.
This emphasises that both nations are supported by the FIVB Volleyball Empowerment.
The FIVB initiative is expected to help more nations in the following months as they continue their preparations for upcoming major volleyball tournaments.
This initiative includes the World Championships in 2027 and the Los Angeles Olympics in 2028.
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