The FIVB Men's Volleyball Nations League 2026 serves up a blockbuster seven-match slate on July 16, with action spanning Chicago, Belgrade, and Osaka, headlined by a compelling clash between Bulgaria and Poland.
Bulgaria vs Poland (00:00, Chicago, USA):
Bulgaria and Poland meet again after a dramatic 2025 Nations League encounter saw Bulgaria edge a 3-2 victory, but the head-to-head history also includes a 2026 women's edition sweep by Poland. Bulgaria come into this match on a three-match losing streak against Germany, France, and Czechia, while Poland have dropped their last two against Japan and Brazil after pushing the USA to five sets in a 3-2 defeat. Both sides will be eager to reset and write a new chapter in this rivalry.
Serbia vs Türkiye (01:00, Belgrade, Serbia):
Serbia have historically dominated this fixture, sweeping Türkiye in three sets in the most recent 2025 Nations League meeting, and have won three straight head-to-head contests dating back to 2024. Serbia are riding a two-match winning run with sweeps over the Netherlands and Germany, while Türkiye have alternated results—most recently a 3-1 win over Thailand preceded by a 3-1 loss to Japan. The home crowd in Belgrade adds an extra layer of intrigue to this long-standing rivalry.
France vs Brazil (04:00, Chicago, USA):
Brazil have held the upper hand in recent meetings, sweeping France in straight sets in the 2026 women's Nations League and winning both encounters at the 2025 Women's World Championship, including a five-set thriller. France arrive with mixed form—a narrow 2-3 loss to Czechia sandwiched between wins over Bulgaria and a five-set victory against Serbia—while Brazil have split their recent results, losing to the USA and Thailand after defeating Poland in four sets. This matchup pits two sides seeking consistency against each other.
USA vs China (08:00, Chicago, USA):
The USA and China have traded results in their last three meetings, including a 3-2 win for China in the 2025 women's Nations League and a five-set victory for the USA in the 2025 men's edition. The USA carry strong momentum with back-to-back wins over Brazil and Türkiye, while China are looking to rebound after consecutive losses to Italy and the Dominican Republic following an initial 3-0 sweep of Ukraine. Their history of tight contests suggests another closely fought affair in Chicago.
Belgium vs Italy (13:30, Osaka, Japan):
Italy have dominated this head-to-head, sweeping Belgium 3-0 in their most recent 2026 Nations League meeting and winning all three previous encounters, including a 3-1 victory at the 2025 World Championship. Belgium have struggled recently, losing their last three matches—including that sweep by Italy—most recently falling in straight sets to Ukraine. Italy, conversely, arrive on a three-match winning streak, having beaten China in five sets and Canada in five after a commanding sweep of Belgium just days ago.
Japan vs Canada (17:20, Osaka, Japan):
Japan and Canada have developed a tightly contested rivalry, with Japan winning their last three head-to-head encounters, including a 3-2 thriller in the 2026 women's Nations League and a 3-0 sweep in the 2024 men's edition. Japan are in good form with a five-set win over Poland and a 3-1 victory over Thailand, while Canada have split their recent results—a 3-1 win over the Dominican Republic followed by a 2-3 loss to Italy. Playing at home in Osaka, Japan will look to extend their recent dominance.
Iran vs Germany (21:30, Belgrade, Serbia):
Germany have won the last two meetings in the men's Nations League, including a 3-1 victory in 2025 and a 3-0 sweep in 2024, though Iran previously claimed a 3-0 win in 2023. Iran's most recent action saw them secure a 3-1 win over Cuba after competitive losses to Japan and the USA, while Germany have played only women's matches recently—sweeping Bulgaria before being swept by Serbia and the Netherlands. This matchup features two teams with contrasting recent schedules but a history of decisive German results.