TEHRAN – Iran’s women’s team lost to China 3-0 (26-24, 25-22, 25-18) at the 2026 Sitting Volleyball World Championships on Monday.

The Iranian women had previously defeated Rwanda and Kenya.

Iran’s men team also defeated Japan 3-0 (25-14, 25-16, 25-7) later in the day.

Reigning men’s world and Paralympic champions defeated had previously defeated Poland 3-1 and Bosnia and Herzegovina 3-1.

The World Championships, hosted at the World ParaVolley Development Centre, feature 16 men’s teams and 16 women’s teams. The competition opens with a three-day pool stage from 10 to 12 July, with teams divided into four pools of four in each tournament. All teams will then progress to the Round of 16 on 13 July.

The tournament is the first opportunity for teams to secure qualification for the LA28 Paralympic Games, with the men’s and women’s champions earning direct qualification places.