Friday’s schedule in the 2026 FIVB Volleyball Nations League delivered several important results, with the race for the Finals and the battle to avoid relegation both becoming increasingly competitive.
Türkiye produced the day’s biggest comeback, recovering from two sets down to defeat Ukraine 3-2 (25-27, 20-25, 25-23, 25-16, 15-11) in Belgrade. Adis Lagumdzija scored 18 points as Türkiye climbed to fifth place in the standings with a 7-3 record. Ukraine, led by Illia Kovalov’s 18 points, slipped to seventh despite remaining on 20 points.
Defending champions Poland strengthened their position with a 3-0 (25-22, 28-26, 25-19) victory over Brazil in Chicago. Tomasz Fornal and Kamil Semeniuk each finished with 13 points as Poland improved to 8-2, while Brazil dropped to ninth and outside the qualification positions.
Slovenia also moved closer to securing a Finals berth after sweeping Iran 3-0 (27-25, 25-19, 26-24). Rok Mozic led the winners with 19 points, helping Slovenia remain fourth in the standings.
Bulgaria kept its quarterfinal hopes alive with a 3-1 comeback win over hosts China, powered by Aleksandar Nikolov’s 28-point performance. Meanwhile, Cuba boosted its survival hopes by edging Argentina in five sets, moving above Canada and out of the relegation place.
Japan maintained unbeaten record with a straight-sets victory over Belgium, securing first place in the preliminary phase standings after extending its winning streak to 11 matches.
Friday’s Results
- Türkiye def. Ukraine 3-2 (25-27, 20-25, 25-23, 25-16, 15-11)
- Poland def. Brazil 3-0 (25-22, 28-26, 25-19)
- Slovenia def. Iran 3-0 (27-25, 25-19, 26-24)
- Bulgaria def. China 3-1 (22-25, 25-14, 25-20, 25-20)
- Cuba def. Argentina 3-2 (17-25, 25-19, 22-25, 25-21, 15-12)
- Japan def. Belgium 3-0 (25-20, 25-22, 25-16)