Shafaq News- Baghdad

Iraq's women's volleyball team suffered a second straight defeat at the 2026 AVC Women's Volleyball Continental Championship on Sunday, losing 3-0 to Chinese Taipei in their first appearance in the competition.

The result followed a 3-0 opening defeat to hosts China, who won 25-4, 25-6, 25-6.

Iraq are the only Arab team in the 12-nation championship and are competing in the tournament for the first time after the women's national side was reestablished in 2022 following more than two decades of inactivity.

The squad prepared through two training camps in Erbil, but Iraqi Volleyball Federation President Habib Ali Al-Lawandi said financial constraints prevented an overseas camp or international friendlies before the tournament.

Iraq are in Pool A with China, Chinese Taipei, and Iran, with the championship running in Tianjin from August 21 to 30.