Simon Dalton presents his prediction for the Women's Volleyball Nations League match.
This highly anticipated Women's Nations League fixture between the USA and Brazil is among the standout matchups of the current round. The United States will be eager to reinforce their dominant head-to-head record and extend their winning run against their South American rivals. Meanwhile, Brazil are aiming to bounce back from last year’s semi-finals disappointment and mount a serious challenge for the title. For Brazil, this encounter will be a key test of credentials.
USA (women)
Ranked third in the world, the USA have remained a consistent force on the international stage. They reached the final of the Pan American Cup, where they were defeated by Argentina. Last season, they progressed to the Olympic Games final and reached the Nations League play-offs, though they lost in straight sets twice to the top-ranked Italy. This season began in similar fashion, with a 0:3 loss to Italy women’s national volleyball team, though they showed fight in the third set, pushing it to a narrow 28:30 finish. In their last eight meetings with Brazil, the USA have won seven times, though only half of those victories were secured in straight sets.
Brazil (women)
Brazil, currently holding second place in the world rankings, enjoyed an impressive campaign last year. They went unbeaten through the Nations League group stage, reached the semi-finals, and narrowly lost to Poland in the third-place match. They also captured bronze at the Olympic Games. This season started with a hard-earned win over the 14th-ranked Czech Republic, with two of the three sets decided by margins of five points or fewer.
USA (women) vs Brazil (women) Prediction
The USA are known for fast starts and strong finishes, while Brazil, despite their lofty ranking, have struggled in recent head-to-heads—dropping the opening set in four of their last five encounters with the United States. Still, as one of the top-three teams, Brazil are expected to extend this match beyond the minimum.