Ukraine claimed a major upset in the 2026 FIVB Volleyball Nations League by defeating Brazil 3-1 and ending the South Americans’ unbeaten run.
Raul Lozano’s team secured third victory of the tournament with a strong performance built around Oleh Plotnytskyi and Vasyl Tupchii. Ukraine edged a dramatic opening set 29-27 before Brazil responded to level the match with a 25-22 win in the second.
The Europeans regained control in the third set, winning 25-22, and maintained their momentum in the fourth, where Illia Kovalov’s decisive attack sealed a 25-21 victory.
Oleh Plotnytskyi led Ukraine with 19 points, while Vasyl Tupchii added 17 and Kovalov contributed 15. Brazil was paced by Darlan Souza, who finished as the match’s top scorer with 26 points.
Ukraine held a 10-5 advantage in blocks, a key factor in the outcome. The victory improves Ukraine’s record to three wins in the competition, while Brazil suffers first loss after opening the tournament with four consecutive victories.
Japan is now the only unbeaten team remaining in the men’s VNL 2026.
Result: Ukraine bt Brazil 3-1 (29-27, 22-25, 25-22, 25-21).
