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TIANJIN, Aug. 25 (Xinhua) -- Thailand and Japan maintained their perfect records at the 2026 Asian Women's Volleyball Championship on Tuesday, defeating Kazakhstan and Vietnam, respectively, to top their pools and advance to the quarterfinals. Defending champion Thailand used its speed and quick attacks to beat Kazakhstan 3-1 and finish the group stage with three straight wins. Thailand took the first two sets 25-22, 25-16 before Kazakhstan responded in the third, using its height advantage at the net and strong blocking to take the set 25-23. It was the only set Thailand dropped during the group stage. Thailand quickly regained control in the fourth, with several players contributing in attack as it closed out the match 25-11. World No. 6 Japan also faced resistance from Vietnam before earning a 3-0 victory. Vietnam settled quickly in the opening set, with solid blocking and defense keeping the score tied at 12-12. Japan then increased the pressure with its serving and found success from the wings to reach set point. Vietnam fought back and forced Japan to call a timeout before the Japanese eventually took the set 25-23. Japan produced more consistent serve reception and smoother defensive transitions in the second set to win 25-17. Vietnam stayed close throughout the third and prevented Japan from pulling away, but Japan eventually prevailed 25-21 to complete the sweep. In another match Tuesday, Iran defeated Iraq 3-0. China and Iran occupy the top two spots in Pool A, while Thailand and Indonesia are first and second in Pool B. Japan and South Korea hold the top two positions in Pool C. Under the competition format, the top two teams from each pool and the two best third-place teams advance to the quarterfinals. The group stage concludes Wednesday, with China facing Chinese Taipei in its final pool match.