Alas Pilipinas U-16 clinches FIVB Worlds berth after stunning Thailand

Alas Pilipinas U-16 earned a historic berth in the 2026 FIVB Volleyball Girls’ U-17 World Championship after defeating Thailand in four sets, 25-23, 25-20, 19-25, 25-22, to capture fifth place in the 2025 Asian Women’s U-16 Volleyball Championship in Amman, Jordan, Nov. 8.

After losing to Thailand in the quarterfinal round, the young Filipinas got their revenge when it mattered most, securing not just redemption, but also a ticket to the world stage.

The Philippines will now join defending champion China, Korea, Chinese Taipei, and Japan as Asia’s representatives in the 2026 Worlds.

Team captain Xyz Rayco led the way for the historic finish, powering the squad’s offense with 30 points built on 25 kills, four blocks, and an ace, including the team’s last three points that sealed the victory.

Before the classification showdown, the Philippines swept Hong Kong, 25-20, 25-19, 25-10, to advance to the fifth-place battle. 

The win over Thailand marked the country’s best-ever finish in the tournament.

Meanwhile, the medal matches also showcased two five-set thrillers, with China edging Japan, 26-28, 25-16, 25-21, 21-25, 16-14, for the bronze, while Korea survived Chinese Taipei, 26-28, 25-21, 25-11, 19-25, 15-13, to capture the gold.

The 2026 FIVB Volleyball Girls’ U-17 World Championship will be held in Santiago City, Chile, from Aug. 5-15, 2026, featuring 24 teams from five confederations vying for the top spot.