The Japanese women’s volleyball team, which boasted an impeccable record of six consecutive victories in the 2026 Volleyball Nations League (VNL), suffered its first defeat in the tournament. The setback occurred in an unexpected clash against the Dominican Republic, a team that until then had not won any of its six previous matches in the competition. The game, valid for the third round of the second week of the preliminary phase, was played on Saturday, the 20th, and marked a turning point for both teams.
End of invincibility: the break of an expected dominance
Under the leadership of coach Ferhat Akbaš, in his second year leading the team, the Japanese team had demonstrated great strength, achieving significant victories since the start of VNL 2026, which began on June 3. The Dominican Republic team, on the other hand, occupying 12th place in the FIVB world rankings, was facing a sequence of six defeats, which made Japan the clear favorite for the clash. The match represented an unexpected turnaround for the Dominicans and a throw of cold water on the Japanese’s perfect campaign.
The good Japanese start and initial formation
In the first set, the Japanese team, despite changes to its initial formation, set its pace from the beginning. The lineup had Yukiko Wada, Yoshino Sato and Ayane Kitamado on the wings, Haruyo Shimamura and Nichika Yamada as central players, Nanami Seki as a setter and Aina Nishizaki in the libero position. Despite a moment in which the advantage reached just one point, Japan maintained the lead and increased the difference at the end, closing the partial at 25 to 17, indicating that it would maintain its superiority.
Dominican Republic’s surprising comeback in the following sets
The scenario changed drastically from the second set, when the Dominican Republic took the initial lead and gained momentum. The Japanese defense showed instability, making it difficult for the team to recover, as they tried to change the course of the match with the entry of setter Nakagawa Tsukasa and winger Akimoto Misora. Poor reception continued to be a problem, and even with point guard Shigehara Hinata scoring his first points for the national team, Japan was unable to overcome the deficit, losing the set 20-25.
In the third set, the Japanese coach introduced central Yamaguchi Maki to replace Yamada. The set started out balanced, but the Dominicans took the lead again. The battle intensified after a block by Shimamura tied the score at 13-13. However, Japan gave in again, losing the partial 26-28 and finding itself in a delicate position, two sets behind.
The persistent fight and the outcome of the match
In the fourth and decisive set, Japan started the partial with Nakagawa on the court, in a period of alternating points. In the middle of the set, the Asian team had difficulty containing the opponent’s attacks, which resulted in a new disadvantage. In a desperate effort to stay in the game, new substitutions were made, with Sato coming in for Shigehara and Wada replacing Akimoto. Despite their persistence and having tied the score at 22-22, Japan was unable to withstand the pressure and lost the set 23-25, culminating in the defeat by 3 sets to 1. The offensive power of the Dominican Republic was decisive in preventing the Japanese from being able to avoid the result.
Next challenge: confrontation against the number one in the world
The first defeat in the tournament represents a warning for the Japanese team, which will now have an even greater challenge ahead. In their next match at VNL 2026, scheduled for Sunday the 21st at 9pm, Japan will face Italy, currently the number one women’s team in the FIVB world rankings.
Match results: Japan 1 x 3 Dominican Republic
- 1st set: Japan 25 x 17 Dominican Republic
- 2nd set: Japan 20 x 25 Dominican Republic
- 3rd set: Japan 26 x 28 Dominican Republic
- 4th set: Japan 23 x 25 Dominican Republic