Japan defeats Poland 3‑2, ending Polish hopes for VNL 2026 Final Eight

On 12 July 2026 in Osaka, the Japanese women’s volleyball team beat Poland 3‑2 (25‑20, 25‑14, 19‑25, 21‑25, 13‑15) in the decisive Nations League match. The loss left Poland in seventh place with 20 points, missing the cut for the Final Eight to be held in Macau. Coach Stefano Lavarini said, “I am proud of the team… this defeat gives us many lessons,” but lamented that the win was needed to advance.

Earlier in the same week Brazil secured its own Final Eight berth by overcoming Poland 3‑1 (25‑20, 23‑25, 25‑23, 28‑26) in Osaka, while Italy topped the pool with a 3‑2 comeback win over Canada in Hong Kong and a 3‑2 victory against China, guaranteeing a place among the eight finalists. The tournament’s intercontinental phase featured 18 nations competing across Belgrade, Hong Kong and Osaka, with the top seven teams plus host China progressing to the knockout stage scheduled for 22‑26 July in Macau.