Com Gabi and Rosamaria starting for the first time this season, Brazil didn't have a great performance, but it was enough to defeat Bulgaria by 3 sets to 1 - scores of 25-21, 27-29, 25-10, 25-19 - in the early hours of Wednesday (7/9), in Chiba, Japan, in the opening match of the third stage of the 2026 Women's VNL.

Photo: Jogada10

Rosamaria and Julia Kudiess were the standout players for the Brazilian team, which struggled in reception and faced the strong European block. Bulgaria played without four starters, rested by coach Antonina Zetova.

If Brazil defeats France on Thursday at 3:30 am (Brasília time) in the second round, they will secure a spot in the final phase of the Nations League, which will take place between July 23 and 27 in the Polish city of Lodz. The match will be broadcasted by Sportv, VBTV (Volleyball World streaming), and Web Vôlei's YouTube channel (without images). Brazil's last two matches in the qualifying round are against Poland on Friday and Japan on Sunday, both at 7:20 am.

Coach José Roberto Guimarães made two changes to Brazil's lineup compared to the previous stages. Ana Cristina, the team's top scorer according to the International Volleyball Federation statistics, was rested, and captain Gabi paired up with Julia Bergmann on the wing. Opposite hitter Rosamaria started for the first time. The rest of the starting team consisted of setter Macris, middle blockers Diana and Lorena, and libero Laís. Kisy and Roberta entered during the match.

Middle blocker Julia Kudiess, who had felt discomfort in her right knee at the end of the Turkey stage about 10 days ago, started on the bench but came on court towards the end of the third set and excelled, scoring 11 points (5 attacks, 5 blocks, and 1 serve). Gabi had a quiet performance in the first three sets, feeling the lack of game rhythm, with only 26% offensive efficiency. Rosamaria was the top scorer for the team with 18 points, followed by Julia Bergmann (16), Diana (11), Gabi and Julia Kudiess (11 each), and Lorena (6).