Turkey crowned champions for the second time, Brazil confirms its status as 'VNL's runner-up king'

(Volleyball results) - Turkey rallied to beat Brazil and win the VNL 2026 title, marking their second time standing on the highest step of this esteemed competition.

Set 1: Brazil 25-23 Turkey

The first set saw Brazil start with great enthusiasm and quickly build a lead over Turkey from the very first points. Despite Vargas' efforts, Brazil held firm as Ana Cristina continued to display impressive scoring form, while Luzia, Bergmann, and Rosamaria also made significant contributions.

Turkey's efforts only helped them narrow the gap in the final stretch but could not create a surprise.

Set 2: Brazil 23-25 Turkey

Brazil had a good start in set 2, but Turkey quickly returned to form and maintained their advantage until the end of the set thanks to the outstanding performance of Melissa Vargas. The Cuban-born opposite hitter exploded with 10 points, along with Kisal (5 points) and Baladin (4 points), helping the European representative level the VNL 2026 final.

Set 3: Brazil 24-26 Turkey

A set that was too exciting and closely contested until the final points, the biggest lead any team managed throughout the set was just 2 points - enough to show the balance and fierce nature of a final. At the decisive moment, Turkey did better by capitalizing on the second set point to win narrowly 26-24, taking a 2-1 lead.

Set 4: Brazil 21-25 Turkey

Brazil knew they needed to win to keep their hopes of winning the VNL title this year alive, but on a day when Baladin and especially Vargas for Turkey played at their peak, Cristina and her teammates could do nothing more. The European representative took an early lead and maintained a 2-4 point advantage until the end, thus claiming the VNL championship this year - the second VNL title for Vargas and her teammates after their first trophy in 2023 on American soil.

For Brazil, they maintain a sad record of a 0% win rate in five VNL final appearances, solidifying their status as the "runner-up king" in this prestigious event.

In the end, Turkey defeated Brazil 3-1 (23-25; 25-23; 26-24; 25-21).

When does the Brazil vs Turkey women's volleyball match take place?

• Time: 18:30, today July 26
• Tournament: women's final VNL 2026

Brazil roster for VNL 2026 Finals

Turkey roster for VNL 2026 Finals