The FIVB Men's Volleyball Nations League 2026 delivers a packed day of action on July 15, featuring five matches spread across Osaka and Belgrade, with a standout clash between Canada and Argentina leading the schedule.
Canada vs Argentina (10:00, Osaka, Japan):
Canada and Argentina renew a rivalry that has tilted in Argentina's favor in recent VNL meetings, with Argentina winning all three of their last encounters, including a 3-2 thriller in 2025. Canada enters this match after a recent run of form that saw them beat the Dominican Republic and Belgium, though they fell 2-3 to Italy. Argentina, meanwhile, comes off a mixed stretch, having swept China in their most recent VNL outing but dropping matches to Poland and Türkiye.
Belgium vs Cuba (13:30, Osaka, Japan):
Belgium and Cuba meet with only a single head-to-head result on record, a 2025 World Championship sweep that went Belgium's way, though that match featured the women's teams. Belgium's recent form has been challenging, with three consecutive VNL losses to Ukraine, Italy, and Canada. Cuba arrives after a tough juncture on the men's VNL circuit, losing to Iran, Serbia, and France in their latest outings.
Japan vs Italy (17:20, Osaka, Japan):
Japan and Italy have a history in VNL play that sees Italy holding a clear edge, winning all three recent meetings, including a 3-0 sweep in 2026 and a 3-2 thriller in 2025. Japan comes into this match on a mixed run, having beaten Poland and Thailand but falling to Türkiye. Italy enters with momentum, having won three straight VNL matches, most recently a 3-2 victory over China after earlier wins against Canada and Belgium.
Germany vs Slovenia (18:00, Belgrade, Serbia):
Germany and Slovenia meet with no head-to-head history provided, but both sides arrive with contrasting recent form. Germany's last three VNL outings include a win over Bulgaria but also losses to Serbia and the Netherlands. Slovenia's most recent VNL results show a 3-1 loss to Italy, followed by a commanding 3-0 sweep over Brazil and a tight 3-2 win against Bulgaria.
Ukraine vs Iran (21:30, Belgrade, Serbia):
Ukraine and Iran have one recent head-to-head VNL meeting, a 2025 five-set match that Iran won 3-2. Ukraine's latest form includes a 3-0 sweep over Belgium, but also a 2-3 loss to the Dominican Republic and a 3-0 defeat to China. Iran arrives after a 3-1 win over Cuba in their most recent VNL match, preceded by a 2-3 loss to Japan and a 3-0 defeat to the USA.