The 2026 Volleyball Nations League got underway in thrilling fashion with three matches requiring deciding sets and several storylines emerging across the opening day.
Olympic champions France secured one of the most notable victories, overcoming reigning world champions Italy 3-2 in a dramatic contest in Ottawa. France twice rallied from a set down before sealing a 19-25, 29-27, 23-25, 25-23, 16-14 victory.
Mathis Henno led the French scoring with 18 points, while Italy’s Kamil Rychlicki finished as the day’s top scorer with 30 points.
The biggest surprise came in Brasilia, where VNL debutants Belgium stunned World Championship runners-up Bulgaria 3-1. After dropping the opening set, Belgium won the next three to earn a historic first victory in the competition.
Pierre Perin paced Belgium with 16 points, while Bulgaria’s Aleksandar Nikolov registered a match-high 25.
Defending champions Poland opened their title defense with a comfortable straight-sets win over Cuba, while Slovenia survived a five-set battle against hosts China. Japan also made a winning start, defeating Ukraine in straight sets.
Elsewhere, the United States defeated Turkiye 3-1, Germany edged Canada in five sets, Serbia overcame Argentina 3-1, and Brazil closed the day with a 3-1 victory over Iran in front of its home fans.
Day 1 Results
Linyi, China
- Poland bt Cuba 3-0 (25-16, 25-20, 25-21)
- Slovenia bt China 3-2 (25-17, 20-25, 20-25, 25-23, 15-10)
- Japan bt Ukraine 3-0 (25-22, 25-21, 25-22)
Ottawa, Canada
- USA bt Turkiye 3-1 (25-20, 20-25, 25-20, 25-23)
- Germany bt Canada 3-2 (24-26, 25-19, 20-25, 25-21, 15-13)
- France bt Italy 3-2 (19-25, 29-27, 23-25, 25-23, 16-14)
Brasilia, Brazil
- Belgium bt Bulgaria 3-1 (20-25, 26-24, 26-24, 25-23)
- Serbia bt Argentina 3-1 (25-23, 25-20, 25-27, 26-24)
- Brazil bt Iran 3-1 (25-21, 23-25, 25-15, 25-23)
