2026 Women’s Volleyball Nations League
The 2026 VNL ended with Türkiye defeating Brazil to win the women’s competition for the second time. Italy completed the women’s podium in Macao.
VNL 2026 Women at a Glance
The 2026 VNL ended with Türkiye defeating Brazil to win the women’s competition for the second time. Italy completed the women’s podium in Macao.
Final Standings
P / W / L / PTS show the Preliminary Phase record; the rank column shows the final tournament placement.
Performance Leaders
Melissa Vargas · Türkiye
83 points
Ana Cristina · Brazil
78 points
Julia Bergmann · Brazil
54 points
Melissa Vargas · Türkiye
Tournament MVP
How the Women’s VNL 2026 Changed the 2027 Field
The United States and Italy each went 10–2 in the women’s Preliminary Phase, but Türkiye ultimately won the title in Macao.
Under the published 2026 promotion-relegation rules, the team finishing last in the Final Standings is relegated. Bulgaria finished 18th in the women’s Final Standings.
For 2027, the FIVB later confirmed a one-season expansion from 18 to 19 teams. Russia’s women will join as the highest-ranked team not yet qualified, while the expansion also preserves a place for Slovenia.
Women’s VNL 2026 Format, Qualification & Host
The 2026 women’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 women’s Finals were held in Macao, China, from 22–26 July. 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 Women’s VNL 2026
WOMEN’S TITLE
Türkiye returned to the top behind Melissa Vargas
Türkiye beat Brazil 3–1 in Macao to win its second VNL title. Melissa Vargas was named MVP after also leading the women’s Finals scoring chart.
FINAL-PHASE SCORING
Melissa Vargas set the attacking pace
Vargas topped the women’s Finals with 83 points, while Ana Cristina and Julia Bergmann were also among the most productive scorers.
Place in Tournament History
Teams in 2026
Türkiye Women’s National Volleyball Team
National Team · Europe (CEV)
View team →Brazil Women’s National Volleyball Team
National Team · South America (CSV)
View team →Italy Women’s National Volleyball Team
National Team · Europe (CEV)
View team →China Women’s National Volleyball Team
National Team · Asia (AVC)
View team →United States Women’s National Volleyball Team
National Team · North America (NORCECA)
View team →Canada Women’s National Volleyball Team
National Team · North America (NORCECA)
View team →Japan Women’s National Volleyball Team
National Team · Asia (AVC)
View team →Netherlands Women’s National Volleyball Team
National Team · Europe (CEV)
View team →Poland Women’s National Volleyball Team
National Team · Europe (CEV)
View team →Czechia Women’s National Volleyball Team
National Team · Europe (CEV)
View team →Serbia Women’s National Volleyball Team
National Team · Europe (CEV)
View team →Germany Women’s National Volleyball Team
National Team · Europe (CEV)
View team →Belgium Women’s National Volleyball Team
National Team · Europe (CEV)
View team →Thailand Women’s National Volleyball Team
National Team · Asia (AVC)
View team →Dominican Republic Women’s National Volleyball Team
National Team · North America (NORCECA)
View team →Ukraine Women’s National Volleyball Team
National Team · Europe (CEV)
View team →France Women’s National Volleyball Team
National Team · Europe (CEV)
View team →Bulgaria Women’s National Volleyball Team
National Team · Europe (CEV)
View team →Women’s VNL 2026 FAQ
How many teams played in the women’s VNL 2026?
The 2026 women’s VNL featured 18 national teams.
Who won the women’s VNL 2026?
Türkiye won the women’s title.
How did teams qualify for the women’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
