2026 Men’s Volleyball Nations League
The 2026 VNL ended with Poland defending the men’s title after a five-set final against the United States. Slovenia earned its first VNL medal by beating Japan in the bronze-medal match in Ningbo.
VNL 2026 Men at a Glance
The 2026 VNL ended with Poland defending the men’s title after a five-set final against the United States. Slovenia earned its first VNL medal by beating Japan in the bronze-medal match in Ningbo.
Final Standings
P / W / L / PTS show the Preliminary Phase record; the rank column shows the final tournament placement.
Key Results
Performance Leaders
Jake Hanes · USA
66 points
Matt Anderson · USA
59 points
Rok Možič · Slovenia
53 attack points
Ran Takahashi · Japan
54 points
Yuji Nishida · Japan
42 points
Tomasz Fornal · Poland
Tournament MVP
How the Men’s VNL 2026 Changed the 2027 Field
Japan went 12–0 in the men’s Preliminary Phase, while Poland and Slovenia both finished 10–2 before the Finals reshaped the podium.
Under the published 2026 promotion-relegation rules, the team finishing last in the Final Standings is relegated. Canada finished 18th in the men’s Final Standings.
For 2027, the FIVB later confirmed a one-season expansion from 18 to 19 teams. Russia’s men will join as the highest-ranked team not yet qualified, while the expansion also preserves a place for Finland.
Men’s VNL 2026 Format, Qualification & Host
The 2026 men’s VNL featured 18 national teams. Every team played 12 Preliminary Phase matches across three competition weeks. The seven best teams advanced to the Finals together with the Finals host, creating an eight-team knockout field.
The men’s Finals were staged in Ningbo, China, from 29 July–2 August. The team finishing last in the Final Standings is relegated, while the highest-ranked eligible non-participant in the FIVB World Ranking is promoted for the next edition.
What Defined the Men’s VNL 2026
MEN’S TITLE
Poland defended the crown in another five-set final against the USA
Poland won 3–2 in Ningbo to secure another VNL title, with Tomasz Fornal named tournament MVP.
BREAKTHROUGH
Slovenia finally converted another Finals run into a medal
After several deep VNL runs without a podium finish, Slovenia beat Japan 3–1 in the bronze-medal match to earn its first VNL medal.
FINAL-PHASE SCORING
Jake Hanes set the attacking pace
Hanes led the men’s Finals with 66 points, with Matt Anderson and Rok Možič also among the most productive scorers.
Place in Tournament History
Teams in 2026
Poland Men’s National Volleyball Team
National Team · Europe (CEV)
View team →United States Men’s National Volleyball Team
National Team · North America (NORCECA)
View team →Slovenia Men’s National Volleyball Team
National Team · Europe (CEV)
View team →Japan Men’s National Volleyball Team
National Team · Asia (AVC)
View team →Italy Men’s National Volleyball Team
National Team · Europe (CEV)
View team →Türkiye Men’s National Volleyball Team
National Team · Europe (CEV)
View team →Ukraine Men’s National Volleyball Team
National Team · Europe (CEV)
View team →China Men’s National Volleyball Team
National Team · Asia (AVC)
View team →Bulgaria Men’s National Volleyball Team
National Team · Europe (CEV)
View team →Brazil Men’s National Volleyball Team
National Team · South America (CSV)
View team →France Men’s National Volleyball Team
National Team · Europe (CEV)
View team →Serbia Men’s National Volleyball Team
National Team · Europe (CEV)
View team →Germany Men’s National Volleyball Team
National Team · Europe (CEV)
View team →Belgium Men’s National Volleyball Team
National Team · Europe (CEV)
View team →Iran Men’s National Volleyball Team
National Team · Asia (AVC)
View team →Argentina Men’s National Volleyball Team
National Team · South America (CSV)
View team →Cuba Men’s National Volleyball Team
National Team · North America (NORCECA)
View team →Canada Men’s National Volleyball Team
National Team · North America (NORCECA)
View team →Men’s VNL 2026 FAQ
How many teams played in the men’s VNL 2026?
The 2026 men’s VNL featured 18 national teams.
Who won the men’s VNL 2026?
Poland won the men’s title.
How did teams qualify for the men’s VNL Finals?
The seven best teams from the Preliminary Phase advanced together with the Finals host, creating an eight-team knockout field.
Does the VNL affect the FIVB World Ranking?
Yes. VNL matches are eligible international matches and can change FIVB World Ranking points, but the VNL standings and the FIVB World Ranking remain separate systems.
Notable Players
