The United States Women’s National Volleyball Team continued their impressive run in the 2026 FIVB Volleyball Women’s Nations League with a commanding 3-1 victory over Serbia Women (25-21, 21-25, 25-19, 25-22) on 21 June in front of a packed arena. The win avenged a previous defeat to the same opponent in the 2025 edition and kept the Americans in contention for a top-two finish in the preliminary round.

Match Overview

In a contest that showcased high-level volleyball from two of the world’s premier women’s programs, the USA relied on a balanced attack and superior blocking to overcome a gritty Serbian side that had won their last three matches. The result improved the Americans to 9-2 in the tournament, while Serbia dropped to 7-4, though both teams remain well positioned for the Finals in Bangkok.

Key Moments and Set-by-Set Analysis

• Set 1 (25-21): The USA opened with a 7-2 run behind the serving of Jordan Thompson. Serbia fought back to 20-19, but two consecutive blocks from middle blocker Haleigh Washington and a well-timed timeout by coach Karch Kiraly steadied the ship. A kill from outside hitter Kelsey Robinson sealed the opening set.
• Set 2 (21-25): Serbia responded by tightening their block-defence system. Opposite Tijana Bošković was in devastating form, scoring 8 points in the set. The USA’s reception faltered under heavy Serbian serving, and a 5-0 run from 16-16 put the Europeans in control. Bošković’s powerful cross-court spike closed the set.
• Set 3 (25-19): Kiraly introduced libero Morgan Hentz to improve passing, and the USA raced to a 15-10 lead. Middle blocker Chiaka Ogbogu delivered five quick attacks in the middle, neutralising Serbia’s double-block. The Americans held Serbia to 25% hitting efficiency, re-establishing their defensive dominance.
• Set 4 (25-22): The decisive set was a tense battle. Serbia led 14-12 before a serving run from USA’s Sarah Wilhite Parsons turned the tide. At 22-21, a crucial challenge overturned a line call, and Thompson’s back-row attack and a stuff block on Bošković closed out the victory.

Standout Players

Tijana Bošković (Serbia) was magnificent with 29 points (24 kills, 3 blocks, 2 aces), yet it wasn’t enough to carry her team over the line. For the USA, Jordan Thompson led all scorers with 22 points including 4 aces, while Haleigh Washington contributed 8 blocks in an imposing middle presence. Jordyn Poulter’s set distribution kept Serbia’s blockers guessing throughout.

Tactical Story

The key tactical battle revolved around serve and reception. The USA’s aggressive jump serves forced Serbia out of system on numerous occasions, limiting Bošković’s opportunities. Conversely, when Serbia passed well, Bošković was virtually unstoppable. The USA also shaded the blocking battle 12-8, making the difference in the tight fourth set. Serbia’s outside hitters combined for only 15 kills, exposing a dependence on their superstar opposite.

Impact on Nations League Standings

The victory kept the USA in second place in the overall standings, trailing only Brazil, who also won on the same day. Serbia dropped to fourth but remain comfortably inside the top eight that qualify for the Finals. Both teams face tricky remaining fixtures: the USA take on Italy next, while Serbia meet Poland in what could be a rehearsal for the elimination rounds.

With the VNL Finals just two weeks away, the USA’s defensive resilience and depth of attacking options make them a serious contender for the title. Serbia, meanwhile, will hope to fine-tune their support cast around Bošković to avoid similar disappointments in knockout play.