Underdogs France shock mighty China to make historic last 8

France knocked out mighty China to set up a quarterfinal clash with Brazil in the 2025 FIVB Volleyball Women’s World Championship.

- 

The 14th-ranked Europeans defeated their fifth-ranked Asian rivals and multiple World Championship medallists in four sets on Sunday night at the Huamark Indoor Stadium. Led by their captain Helena Cazaute, a spirited France produced a stunning 3-1 (25-20, 27-25, 22-25, 25-20) upset of China to reach the quarter-final stage of the championship for the first time in history.

Outside hitter Cazaute led France's offence with a match-high 22 points, including two aces and a block. Opposite Iman Ndiaye added another 20 points, while France's other outside, Amelie Rotar, put up two blocks to finish with 18 points.