The United States defeated defending champions Brazil 3-1 (25-18, 25-20, 24-26, 25-10) to win the women’s title at the 2026 World ParaVolley Sitting Volleyball World Championships on Saturday in Hangzhou, China.
The Americans took control by winning the opening two sets before Brazil responded by claiming the third. The United States regained momentum in the fourth, limiting Brazil to 10 points to seal the world title.
Monique Matthews led all scorers with 21 points, while Kathryn Bridge added 10 and Emma Schieck contributed eight. The United States finished with advantages in attacks (44-41) and blocks (11-9), while Brazil held the edge in aces (4-1). Brazil committed 43 errors compared with 20 by the United States. Janaína Petit Cunha led Brazil with 16 points, while Suellen Dellangelica added 13.
Hosts China completed the podium by defeating Canada 3-0 (25-13, 25-15, 25-14) to claim the bronze medal.
China controlled the match throughout, with Zhang Lijun scoring a match-high 18 points and Zhang Xufei adding 16 as the hosts secured third place.
As hosts of the LA28 Paralympic Games, the United States had already secured one of the three places available through the World Championships by finishing among the tournament’s top eight. Having won the last three Paralympic gold medals, the Americans will now aim for a fourth consecutive title on home soil.
The remaining two qualification places available through the World Championships were therefore awarded to runners-up Brazil and bronze medallists China.
Italy finished fifth after defeating Ukraine 3-1, while Iran claimed seventh place with a straight-sets victory over Japan. The Netherlands defeated Slovenia 3-1 to finish ninth, Rwanda edged Germany 3-2 for 11th, Hungary beat France 3-2 to place 13th, and Kenya finished 15th after defeating Thailand 3-2 in the final classification match.
