The official calendar for the Volleyball Nations League 2026 has been confirmed, outlining pool compositions, host cities and key dates for the upcoming season. The announcement highlights China as the central stage for the tournament’s climax, with Macao hosting the women’s Finals and Ningbo set to welcome the men’s Finals.
The 2026 edition will feature 18 women’s teams and 18 men’s teams competing across 17 cities in 12 countries. The Preliminary Phase will run from June 3 to July 19, bringing top-level international volleyball to fans across Asia, Europe, the Americas and beyond. The women’s Finals will take place from July 22 to 26, followed by the men’s title matches from July 29 to August 2.
Ugo Valensi, CEO of Volleyball World, said the league’s continued expansion reflects volleyball’s growing global appeal, with recent editions delivering record audiences and strong engagement worldwide.
VNL 2026 tournaments and key hosts
Women’s Volleyball Nations League 2026
- Preliminary Phase: June 3 – July 12
Host cities include Nanjing (China), Brasilia (Brazil), Quebec City (Canada), Manila (Philippines), Ankara (Turkiye), Kansai (Japan), Hong Kong (China) and Belgrade (Serbia), with one additional host city to be confirmed. - Finals: July 22 – 26, Macao (China)
Men’s Volleyball Nations League 2026
- Preliminary Phase: June 10 – July 19
Opening pools will be held in Linyi (China), Brasilia (Brazil) and Ottawa (Canada), followed by European stops in Gliwice (Poland), Ljubljana (Slovenia) and Orleans (France). The final week will take place in Kansai (Japan), Belgrade (Serbia) and Chicago (USA). - Finals: July 29 – August 2, Ningbo (China)