Match Preview
China are sitting at the bottom of the table after nine rounds, so it is understandable they are labelled huge underdogs against France in Chicago. Is there room for an upset here?
China Struggling for Form
China have already secured a place in the final tournament as the host nation, but their performances throughout the campaign have been disappointing. They currently sit 17th in the standings with just one win from nine matches.
Their only victory came in mid-June against bottom-placed Cuba, winning 3-0. Since then, the Asian side have suffered four consecutive defeats in Week 2 against Turkey (3-0), Belgium (3-1), Argentina (3-1) and Germany (3-1).
Yesterday, China faced one of the tournament hosts and serious medal contenders, the United States, and suffered a convincing 3-0 defeat.
France Fighting to Stay Alive
France’s chances of reaching the Nations League 2026 final tournament have been reduced to a minimum, currently sitting 12th in the standings with a 4-5 record.
After a disappointing Week 1, in which they won just one of four matches, Les Bleus bounced back impressively in Week 2 with three consecutive victories over Iran (3-2), Cuba (3-2) and Serbia (3-0).
The French side then came agonisingly close to becoming the first team to beat Japan in this year's Nations League, taking the opening two sets before eventually falling 3-2 after a dramatic fourth set that ended 35-33 in Japan's favour.
France stood no chance against Brazil yesterday, suffering a convincing 3-0 defeat, although the opening two sets were both narrowly lost by a 25-23 scoreline.