The FIVB Women's Volleyball Nations League is one of the main international tournaments for women's national teams. Furthermore, under the auspices of the International Volleyball Federation (FIVB), it gathers the strongest teams from around the world each year. Additionally, it serves as an important preparation stage for the Olympic Games and World Championships.
The Women's Nations League has been taking place annually since 2018. It replaced the former World Grand Prix tournament. 16 national teams participate in the competition. These teams are divided into two categories: "core participants" and "challengers."
Each team plays 12 matches during the group stage (in several host countries). Based on these results, the best 8 teams advance to the final stage.
The Nations League is not just a battle for the title, but also an important test of squad composition, players' form, and tactical decisions. Furthermore, the tournament is actively used in sports betting and attracts the attention of fans all over the world.
FIVB Women’s Volleyball Nations League 2027
The 2027 FIVB Women’s Volleyball Nations League will take place from May 31 to July 25, 2027. The tournament will once again bring together the world’s strongest national teams, competing for one of the most prestigious trophies in international volleyball.
One of the key features of the 2027 edition will be the expansion of the field. Nineteen women’s national teams instead of the usual 18 will take part in the competition. The change is linked to the return of the Russian national team to the Nations League, as well as the decision to retain Slovenia’s participation after the team earned its place through sporting merit.
The exact host cities and venues for the 2027 Nations League have not yet been announced. FIVB is also continuing to work on the competition format to accommodate the increased number of participating teams.
Participants and Tournament Format
Nineteen national teams will compete in the 2027 Nations League. The Russian national team will return to the tournament after an extended absence, having earned the right to participate in VNL as one of the highest-ranked teams in the world that had not previously competed in the tournament.
Traditionally, the preliminary stage of the Nations League is played across several competition weeks. Teams travel between different cities around the world and earn points toward the overall standings.
After the preliminary stage, the top teams advance to the finals and continue their battle for the title. The exact format of the 2027 VNL will be determined by FIVB, taking into account the expansion of the tournament to 19 teams.
Main Favorites and Participants
Among the main contenders for the 2027 title will be Türkiye, Italy, Brazil, the USA, China and Poland.
Particular attention will be focused on Türkiye, the reigning Nations League champions. In 2026, the Turkish team won its second title in the history of the tournament after defeating Brazil 3–1 in the final.
Italy will also remain one of the leading contenders for the trophy. The team won the two previous editions of the Nations League in 2024 and 2025 and claimed the bronze medal in 2026.
The return of the Russian national team will be one of the major events of the 2027 season. The team earned the right to participate in VNL as the highest-ranked national team in the world that had not previously competed in the tournament.
Tournament History
The Women’s Volleyball Nations League was first held in 2018, replacing the former World Grand Prix. Since then, the competition has brought together the strongest national teams in the world every year.
The United States were the first winners of the tournament, claiming the inaugural title in 2018. The American team also won the competition in 2019 and 2021.
Throughout the history of the Nations League, titles have also been won by Italy, Türkiye and Brazil. The tournament has gradually expanded its audience and geographical reach, with matches taking place across different continents over several competition weeks.
Interesting Facts
- The Nations League replaced the World Grand Prix and was first held in 2018.
- The competition regularly features the strongest national teams in the world.
- The tournament follows a multi-stage format, with teams playing in different cities throughout the season.
- In 2027, the number of participating women’s national teams will increase to 19 for the first time.
- The Russian national team will return to the Nations League after an extended absence.
Most Exciting Matches
Some of the most memorable matches in the history of the Women’s Nations League have featured leading national teams such as Italy, Brazil, Türkiye and the USA. The final stages of the tournament regularly attract large audiences thanks to the high level of competition and the participation of the world’s top volleyball players.
Women’s Nations League Winners in the Last 3 Years
| Year | Venue | Winner |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | Macau, China | Türkiye |
| 2025 | Łódź, Poland | Italy |
| 2024 | Bangkok, Thailand | Italy |
In 2026, Türkiye won its second title in the history of the Nations League. In the final, the Turkish team defeated Brazil 3–1. Italy finished third after beating China in the bronze-medal match.
FIVB Women’s Volleyball Nations League 2028
The Women’s Volleyball Nations League will continue in 2028. The FIVB calendar already lists the period for the women’s VNL as May 8 to June 11, 2028.
However, the exact host cities, participating teams and detailed match schedule have not yet been officially announced. More information about the 2028 Nations League will be released by FIVB at a later date.
Keep an eye on the dates of volleyball tournaments and other events in our Sporting Events Calendar.
