Brazil men's volleyball team faces criticism after missing VNL finals

Brazil volleyball VNL 2026 Bernardinho team elimination transition period

Coach Bernardinho acknowledged the Brazilian men's volleyball team's inconsistent performance in the 2026 Volleyball Nations League. After four wins in the first leg in Brasília, the squad managed only one positive result in Slovenia and finished ninth following mixed outcomes in Chicago, falling two places short of the final qualification zone for the championship stage in China.

The elimination has sparked debate over a prolonged transition period. Only five players—Lucarelli, Douglas Souza, Cachopa, Maique and Flavio—remain from the 2021 title‑winning roster. Analysts described the result as one of the worst in recent Brazilian volleyball history and called for a comprehensive reform of the program.

Bernardinho emphasized that external criticism is legitimate but stressed the importance of internal self‑critique and a renewed focus on development.

Sources

Bernardinho: "As críticas são, digamos, legítimas" – Web Vôlei [webvolei.com.br]

9 days ago

Surto Opina: Com quantos atos e tempo de transição se faz uma eliminação na VNL? – Surto Olímpico [surtoolimpico.com.br]

8 days ago