September19September 19, 2026

NAGOYA, Japan – The exciting chase for a podium finish begins on Sunday, Sept. 20, with powerhouses China and Thailand looking set for an early collision at the 20^th Asian Games Aichi-Nagoya 2026 at Park Arena Komaki. 

China, the defending champion, swept Pool B to arrange a quarterfinal showdown with Pool D No. 2 Vietnam at 1 p.m.

Thailand, which ruled Pool C with a perfect 3-0 record, collides with Indonesia in another exciting battle set at 10 a.m.

The winners in both matches clash in the semis, with volleyball fans looking to witness another China-Thailand duel.

Thailand recently retained its AVC Continental Cup title by beating China in five gripping sets.

Host Japan, which topped Pool A, takes on Pool C runner-up Chinese Taipei at 7:20 p.m., while South Korea, which emerged No. 1 in Pool D, tackles Pool B second placer Kazakhstan at 4 p.m.

The winner o the Japan-Chinese-Taipei duel faces the victor of the South Korea-Kazakhstan showdown.

The classification round for 9^th to 14^th placers also begins with the Philippines hoping to salvage some measure of pride against Qatar at 7 p.m. at the Okazaki Chuo Sogo Park.