About the Men's Volleyball Nations League
The FIVB Volleyball Men's Nations League is an international volleyball tournament held among national men's volleyball teams every year since 2017. The tournament is managed by the International Volleyball Federation (FIVB). Sixteen men's teams take part in the competition. There is a similar sporting event for women and it is called the FIVB Volleyball Women's Nations League.
Men's Volleyball Nations League 2027
The 2027 Men's Volleyball Nations League (VNL) will be the ninth edition of the tournament. The competition will take place from June 7 to August 1, 2027. A total of 19 national teams will participate, marking the first time in VNL history that the field has expanded from 18 to 19 teams. The expansion is linked to the return of the Russian national team to international competitions. The FIVB has stated that the tournament format will be adapted to accommodate the increased number of teams.
New Participants and Returning Teams
The main highlight of the 2027 VNL will be the return of the Russian national team. Russia's men's national team has been admitted to the tournament as one of the highest-ranked national teams that had not previously qualified for the VNL. At the same time, Russia has withdrawn from the 2027 World Championship.
Another new participant will be Finland. The team earned the right to compete in the VNL based on its sporting results and will retain its place in the tournament despite the expansion to 19 teams. This means Finland will make its debut in the Volleyball Nations League.
VNL 2027 Participants
The men's tournament will feature 19 national teams:
- Argentina
- Belgium
- Brazil
- Bulgaria
- Canada
- China
- Cuba
- Finland
- France
- Germany
- Iran
- Italy
- Japan
- Poland
- Russia
- Serbia
- Slovenia
- Türkiye
- USA
Main Favorites for VNL 2027
Poland — the reigning VNL champions. The team won the 2026 tournament by defeating the USA in the final and remains one of the main contenders for another title.
USA — the 2026 VNL silver medalists and one of the most consistent teams in the competition. The Americans reached the final after defeating Japan in the semifinals.
Japan — one of the most impressive national teams of recent seasons. Japan won all 12 matches in the preliminary stage of the 2026 VNL but lost to the USA in the semifinals.
Slovenia — the 2026 VNL bronze medalists. The team won its first-ever VNL medal by defeating Japan in the third-place match.
France and Italy are also among the potential contenders for the top positions thanks to their strong squads and experience at major international tournaments.
The Russian national team will also attract considerable attention as it returns to the VNL after a long absence. Its participation will be one of the major highlights of the 2027 season.
History of the Competition
The International Volleyball Federation announced the creation of the new tournament in 2017. The Men's Volleyball Nations League replaced the men's World League.
Russia won the first two editions of the Men's Volleyball Nations League.
Interesting Facts About the Men's Volleyball Nations League
- The Volleyball Nations League was established in 2018, replacing the World League.
- 2025 was the first year when the final stage was held in Ningbo, China.
- VNL matches are played in different countries and broadcast live around the world.
- The USA won the VNL final in 2023.
- Russia and France were the first champions in 2018 and 2022, respectively.
- Ukraine made its VNL debut in 2025.
- The competition contributes to the global growth of volleyball and attracts millions of viewers.
VNL Winners in Previous Years
| Year | Host Location | Results |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | Ningbo, China | 1st place — Poland2nd place — USA3rd place — Slovenia |
| 2025 | China | 1st place — Poland2nd place — Italy3rd place — Brazil |
| 2024 | Poland | 1st place — France2nd place — Japan3rd place — Poland |
Men's Volleyball Nations League 2028
At the moment, information about the dates and host locations for the next Men's Volleyball Nations League tournament has not yet been announced.
Official website of the Volleyball Nations League
Keep an eye on the dates of volleyball tournaments and other sporting events in our Sporting Events Calendar.
