Brazil men’s volleyball aims to rebound against Italy in VNL after Ukraine loss
Brazil’s men’s national volleyball team suffered its first defeat in the 2026 Volleyball Nations League, losing 3‑1 to Ukraine on June 24 in Ljubljana, Slovenia. Opposite hitter Darlan scored a team‑high 26 points, but errors in reception and blocking cost the side. The loss dropped Brazil to fifth place with four wins, one defeat and 11 points.
Brazil will face Italy on Friday, June 26, at 15:00 BRT in the same venue. Italy, the reigning world champion, sits seventh with three wins, three losses and 10 points. The match is crucial for Brazil’s chance to return to the top‑four and secure a spot in the final‑round tournament in Ningbo, China.
In the same round of the VNL, Poland edged Turkey 3‑2, Slovenia upset Bulgaria 3‑2, France defeated Cuba 3‑2 and the United States leads the table with 15 points, followed by Japan with 14.
Brazil’s next fixtures after Italy are against Slovenia on June 27 and Canada on June 28, while the top eight teams will qualify for the knockout stage in late July.