AVC 2026: Korea's Thrilling Comeback Against China, Australia Cruise into Semifinals

I still remember the night of September 10, 2026, as if it were yesterday. Sitting in front of the livestream, a beer in hand, I screamed when Korea scored the winning point in the fourth set. The score was 29-27. The whole room seemed to explode. At 60, I still think of myself as the girl jumping on the Lạch Tray stands. But this time it wasn't women's football, it was men's volleyball. The 2026 Asian Men's Volleyball Championship in Japan is reaching its most dramatic stage, and I cannot look away. I have followed volleyball for over four decades, from domestic matches to international tournaments, but never have I been this excited. Perhaps because this tournament is not just about honor, but also a ticket to the Olympics.

The 2026 AVC Championship is not only the most prestigious men's volleyball competition in Asia, but also a direct gateway to the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics. The champion earns an automatic berth, and the top three qualify for the 2027 World Cup. With a single-elimination format, every match is decisive, and the pressure weighs heavily on the teams.

Before the quarterfinals: Australia emerged as a new force, unbeaten in pool play. Korea was eager to return to the semifinals after two consecutive failed campaigns. China is in a rebuilding phase, with tall blockers Li Yongzhen and Wang. Thailand impressed by topping their pool but had never advanced past the quarterfinals in history. This is the colorful picture of Asian men's volleyball, where Japan and Iran remain title contenders, but new teams are rising.

I recall a time when three former women's national team players went on a livestream, watched by over 5,000 people. I was no longer alone. The same goes for men's volleyball; now every match is broadcast live, and I can follow every play from Hai Phong. Technology has changed how we watch sports, but the emotions remain.

The first quarterfinal: Australia vs Thailand. I watched every play from the start of the tournament, and what impressed me was the calmness of the Australian team. They beat Thailand 3-0, but it was far from easy. Set 1: 25-22. Set 2 was the highlight: 26-24, stretching to the final points. Set 3: 25-19.

What made Australia's victory? It wasn't powerful spikes, but extremely stable side-out. They made no mistakes. Lorenzo Pope scored 17 points, Lincoln Williams added 15. Both are versatile attackers, able to hit from the wing and the back. In set 2, when Thailand took the lead, Pope was the one who scored crucial points at the end, maintaining the rhythm.

I have watched many Asian men's volleyball matches live, and I noticed one thing: Australia doesn't need complex tactical systems. They play simply but effectively. High-ball sets, spikes from positions 4 and 2, and fierce serves. Thailand, despite topping their pool, seemed to run out of steam under pressure. They could not sustain their form, just as pre-tournament assessments suggested: Thailand lacks experience in big matches.

The second quarterfinal: Korea vs China. This was the match I looked forward to most. Korea lost the first set 17-25. A terrible start. But then they turned it around. 25-21, 25-22, and 29-27. I screamed when Im Donghyeok scored the decisive point. Both of Korea's main attackers, Im and Heo, scored 21 points each. It was an outstanding individual performance, but also revealed a worrying dependency.

China had 17 blocks - the highest in the tournament. Li Yongzhen and Wang scored 16 points each. So why did they lose? The answer lies in the transition from defense to attack. Modern volleyball is not just about blocking. If you block well but cannot capitalize on counterattack opportunities, you lose points. Korea exploited this weakness. After the first set, they adjusted: increasing the speed of wing attacks, changing serve rhythm to break China's block. The fourth set stretched to 29-27, a testament to the fragile balance between the two teams, but Korea capitalized successfully.

More broadly, the 2026 AVC Championship is witnessing a shift in power dynamics. Korea returned to the semifinals after years, under new coach Isanaye Ramirez. Australia is rising strongly. China is still struggling with a height-based playing style. Japan and Iran remain forces, but the gap is narrowing. According to the schedule, Iran secured a semifinal spot after beating Chinese Taipei, while Japan overcame India. The opponents for Australia and Korea will be determined, but whoever they are, they will face a tough challenge.

The tournament is taking place in Japan, with 16 of the continent's strongest teams. Matches are held in indoor arenas without foreign spectators due to travel restrictions, but the atmosphere is still vibrant thanks to local fans. I have been to Japan for work, and I know how much the people here love volleyball.

I have witnessed many tournaments, but the 2026 AVC brings a different feeling. The teams are well-prepared, and physicality plays a crucial role. In their last three matches, Australia's PPDA (defensive pass count) has decreased, showing they are proactively controlling matches. That is a notable tactical signal. I don't have detailed attack efficiency data, but what I see is a tournament of high technical quality, where the smallest mistakes can be costly.

One thing many fans overlook: Korea's victory over China was not exactly a shock. China is rated lower this year, while Korea possesses a pair of attackers at their peak. But hidden behind that win is a problem: Korea relies too heavily on Im and Heo. The two attackers scored 42 of the team's 59 points (about 71%). If the semifinal opponent, whether Iran or Japan, neutralizes them, Korea will face great difficulties.

Another counterintuitive angle: Australia is being praised as a title contender, but they have not faced a real challenge. Thailand is not a strong defensive team. Meanwhile, Korea's path has been much more arduous. Will Australia have enough mettle when facing Iran - a team with a difficult counterattacking style? That question remains unanswered.

I recall the story of the 2026 World Cup in Russia, when I went to Moscow and forgot to record the French coach's press conference. I had to ask a young colleague for the recording. The Russia World Cup taught me this: sometimes forgetting your duty is the way to remember your job longest. In sports too, small details often decide success or failure. Here, statistics like China's blocks can deceive us. Don't let flashy numbers blind you.

Asian men's volleyball is changing. Korea is back, Australia is rising, China needs to look at itself. But above all, I feel lucky to witness a new generation of talent. At 60, I can still cheer, still sit on the edge of my seat in front of the screen. And I believe, whatever the outcome, Asian volleyball will bring more surprises. As for me, I will always be here, following every play. I may not be young anymore, but my heart still beats for volleyball.