Simon Dalton presents his prediction for the Women's Volleyball Nations League match.
China open their 2025 Volleyball Nations League campaign against the underperforming Belgium. Since 2022, China have consistently progressed to the play-off rounds of this competition, while Belgium endured a disappointing previous season and continue to struggle.
China (women)
Currently ranked 5th in the world, China delivered a composed and disciplined campaign last year. They claimed impressive wins over the USA (ranked 3rd) and Serbia (10th), reaching the quarter-finals in both the Olympic Games and the Nations League. However, they fell short in the group stage against higher-ranked opponents such as Japan (7th) and the top-ranked Italy. When facing lower-ranked teams, China have been consistently dominant, rarely slipping up. Historically, they have held a strong advantage over Belgium, winning 10 out of their 11 previous meetings.
Belgium (women)
Belgium, currently ranked 14th, are enduring a tough spell. In the past year, the squad suffered defeats against Hungary (34th), Vietnam (32nd), and Puerto Rico (16th) — all teams ranked below them. Even in two friendly matches against Spain (29th) in May, the squad lost the first set on both occasions and were beaten in the second leg (2:3). Their overall form remains unconvincing, with no notable improvements. Belgium last featured in the Nations League in 2022, where they finished 15th out of 16 teams.
China (women) vs Belgium (women) Prediction
There is a significant gulf in class between the two teams. China have consistently swept aside Belgium in straight sets, often restricting them to low point totals. At present, Belgium are struggling to compete even at a second-tier international level.
