Preview: USA target title at Nations League final round
Find out what’s at stake as the U.S. Women’s National Team head to Poland
Published
22 JUL 2025
Est. reading time
2 min
Who are the United States’ opponents?
The USA qualified for the Volleyball Nations League final round earlier this month, when they confirmed a top-eight spot in Week 3 of the competition’s preliminary stage.
Erik Sullivan’s team finished eighth, meaning they will play top-ranked side Italy as a result of the finals’ seeding system.
Success against Julio Velasco’s outfit would result in a semi-final against one of Poland or China, who finished fourth and fifth, respectively.
In the event that the United States reach the final or third-place play-off, they could face any of Brazil, Germany, Japan or Türkiye.
Where are the games being played?
The Polish city of Łódź is hosting this year’s Volleyball Nations League finals, with all matches taking place at the Atlas Arena.
Boasting a capacity of 13,806, the multi-purpose indoor venue was first opened in 2009 and has hosted sports ranging from basketball to ice hockey — and volleyball, of course.
It’s held plenty of concerts, too, including acts as famous as Celine Dion, 50 Cent, Iron Maiden and Elton John.
What time do the matches get underway?
The U.S. Women’s National Team’s quarter-final against Italy takes place at 7.30am PDT on Wednesday 23rd July.
If they progress past the Italians then a semi-final against Poland or China is pencilled in for Saturday 26th July, with both the third-place play-off and the final scheduled for the following day (Sunday 27th July).
Opposition guide
Italy will be formidable opponents for the United States, having come through the preliminary round with a perfect record.
They topped the table with 12 wins from 12 games — including a victory against second-place Brazil, in what was the Canarinhas’ only defeat of the campaign.
Velasco’s team swept the USA in their Week 1 opener, too, while also beating Germany and South Korea while in Rio de Janeiro.
Triumphs against Bulgaria, Thailand, Japan and China followed in Hong Kong, before they dispatched Belgium, Serbia, Turkey and the Netherlands at the Omnisport Apeldoorn.
Anything else to know?
The United States improved as they progressed through the preliminary stage, picking up six of their seven wins in Week 2 (3) and Week 3 (3).
Madi put in impressive performances in a number of those matches, including a 32-point haul against Serbia during the team’s opener in Belgrade.
She’ll need to be at her best once again this week, if the USA are to achieve Nations League glory at the Atlas Arena.
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