The field for the 2026 Men’s Volleyball Nations League is taking shape after participating nations announced their preliminary 30-player rosters, featuring many of the sport’s biggest names.
Defending champions Poland will once again rely on a strong core that includes Jakub Kochanowski, Wilfredo Leon and returning captain Aleksander Śliwka as they seek to retain the title.
World champions Italy have also named a powerful squad, with Alessandro Michieletto, Simone Giannelli and Daniele Lavia among the standout selections. Brazil, meanwhile, welcomes back Olympic gold medalist Douglas Souza for his first national team appearance in five years.
Bulgaria, runners-up at last year’s World Championship, retained the entire squad that reached the final, led by rising stars Aleksandar and Simeon Nikolov. Slovenia’s roster features experienced leaders Jan Kozamernik, Tine Urnaut and Alen Pajenk.
The United States will be guided by veterans Matthew Anderson, Micah Christenson and Erik Shoji, while Japan’s hopes rest once again on the influential trio of Yuji Nishida, Ran Takahashi and captain Yuki Ishikawa.
France has opted for a younger-looking squad, though several Olympic champions remain in the lineup despite the absence of longtime star Earvin Ngapeth.
Teams will select 12 to 14 players from their expanded rosters for each week of competition, with the final lineups expected to shape what promises to be another fiercely contested VNL campaign.