Türkiye and Ukraine earned historic qualification for the 2026 FIVB Volleyball Nations League (VNL) Finals on Sunday, claiming the final two quarterfinal spots as the Preliminary Phase came to a close.
The two nations will compete in the VNL Finals for the first time, joining Japan, Poland, Slovenia, Italy, the United States and hosts China in Ningbo from July 29 to August 2.
Türkiye booked their place with a 3-1 victory over Iran in Belgrade. After losing the opening set, the Turkish side responded with three consecutive set wins to finish sixth in the standings with an 8-4 record and 22 points.
Middle blocker Bedirhan Bulbul dominated at the net with nine blocks, while opposite Adis Lagumdzija led all scorers with 23 points. Iran’s standout performer was Ali Haghparast, who finished with 20 points.
Ukraine kept Finals hopes alive by defeating Germany 3-1, powered by an impressive 21-point performance from 18-year-old opposite Maksym Tonkonoh. The victory left Ukraine waiting on the outcome of Bulgaria’s match against France.
France delivered the result Ukraine needed, sweeping Bulgaria in straight sets to eliminate the Balkan side from Finals contention. The defeat left Bulgaria one place short of qualification, while Ukraine secured seventh place and the last available berth in Ningbo.
In other matches, Japan completed a flawless Preliminary Phase by defeating Argentina in straight sets to finish unbeaten at 12-0. Defending champions Poland secured second place with a sweep of the United States, while Slovenia claimed third after overcoming Serbia.
World champions Italy wrapped up the Preliminary Phase with a four-set victory over Cuba to finish fourth. Brazil ended campaign with a straight-sets win over Finals hosts China, while Belgium signed off from their debut VNL season by defeating Canada.
Results
- Türkiye def. Iran 3-1 (17-25, 25-22, 25-16, 25-19)
- Ukraine def. Germany 3-1 (25-23, 20-25, 25-22, 26-24)
- France def. Bulgaria 3-0 (25-21, 25-22, 25-21)
- Japan def. Argentina 3-0 (25-22, 25-22, 25-16)
- Poland def. United States 3-0
- Slovenia def. Serbia 3-0 (25-19, 25-21, 25-22)
- Italy def. Cuba 3-1 (17-25, 25-19, 25-21, 25-17)
- Brazil def. China 3-0 (25-16, 25-20, 25-21)
- Belgium def. Canada 3-0 (25-22, 25-22, 25-19)
Qualified teams for the 2026 VNL Finals: Japan, Poland, Slovenia, Italy, United States, Türkiye, Ukraine and hosts China.