
Are you ready for the most pivotal year in international volleyball? With the new FIVB calendar in full swing, 2026 isn't just another season—it’s the definitive battleground for Olympic qualification and continental supremacy. Whether you’re hunting for the VNL 2026 full schedule, looking to snag tickets for the Finals in China, or wondering how to stream the Asian Championships live, we’ve got you covered. From the high-stakes rallies of the Volleyball Nations League to the tension of the Olympic Qualifiers, this is the only guide you’ll need to navigate every spike, block, and match-point of the 2026 season. Let’s dive into the ultimate volleyball roadmap!
Part One: What Volleyball Events Will Be Held in 2026?
A Complete Global Guide to VNL, Continental Championships, Beach Volleyball & Youth Worlds! The 2026 volleyball season marks a strategic turning point in international volleyball. With the FIVB Volleyball World Championships moved to odd-numbered years (2025, 2027), 2026 becomes a powerhouse year for continental dominance, Olympic qualification pathways, and world ranking battles. Let’s break down every major volleyball event happening worldwide in 2026.
🔄 The New Era: FIVB Calendar Changes (2025–2028)
Before diving into events, here’s why 2026 matters more than ever:
✅ Core FIVB Calendar Overhauls
- 🏆 World Championships Shift: Moved to odd-numbered years (next editions: 2027 Women’s → Canada/USA; 2027 Men’s → Poland) | Now biennial (every 2 years)
- 👥 Expanded Tournament Fields: 32 teams per gender for World Championships (up from previous formats)
- 🌍 Continental Championships Reset: Held in even-numbered years (2026 included)
- Continental champs earn direct LA 2028 Olympic qualification
- Top finishers secure spots in the 2027 World Championships
- 🏅 Streamlined Olympic Qualification → No standalone Olympic Qualification Tournaments → LA 2028 spots decided by FIVB World Rankings + Continental Championship results
📌 Bottom Line
1. Volleyball Nations League (VNL 2026) → The Crown Jewel
| Event | Dates | Finals Host |
|---|---|---|
| Women’s VNL 2026 | June 3 – July 26, 2026 | Macao, China |
| Men’s VNL 2026 | June 10 – August 2, 2026 | Ningbo, China |
- Preliminary rounds span 12 countries/17 cities (global volleyball party!)
- 18 teams per gender
- Massive ranking points: A bad week in June could hurt a team’s Olympic seeding for TWO years
- 🔗 Official Links: Volleyball World VNL Hub | Volleyball China (Local Updates)
2. Continental Championships 2026 → Olympic Spots Up for Grabs
🌏 Asian Volleyball Confederation (AVC) Championships
| Tournament | Dates | Host | Official Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| Women’s AVC Championship | Aug 21 – 30, 2026 | Tianjin, China | AVC Official Site |
| Men’s AVC Championship | Sept 4 – 13, 2026 | Fukuoka, Japan | AVC Official Site |
🇪🇺 European Volleyball Championship (EuroVolley 2026)
| Event | Dates | Host Countries | Finals Host | Official Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Women’s EuroVolley | Aug 21 – Sept 6, 2026 | Azerbaijan, Czechia, Sweden, Türkiye | Istanbul, Türkiye | EuroVolley 2026 |
| Men’s EuroVolley | Sept 9 – Sept 26, 2026 | Bulgaria, Finland, Italy, Romania | Milan, Italy | EuroVolley 2026 |
🌎 Other Continental Championships (2026)
- NORCECA (North & Central America): Men’s championship in Moncton, Canada (Sept 11–19) | norceca.net
- CSV (South America): Club championships + national team showdowns | voleysur.org/v3/
- CAVB (Africa): Men’s club championship in Rwanda + national team battles | cavb.africa
3. Multi-Sport Games: Volleyball Takes Center Stage
🇯🇵 Asian Games 2026 (Aichi–Nagoya)
| Event | Dates | Volleyball Details | Official Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20th Asian Games | Sept 19 – Oct 4, 2026 | Women’s Volleyball: Sept 16–22; Men’s Volleyball: Sept 27–Oct 3; Indoor + Beach Volleyball | Aichi-Nagoya 2026 |
🇩🇴 Central American & Caribbean Games (Centenary Edition)
| Event | Dates | Location | Volleyball Focus | Official Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| XXV CAC Games | July 24 – Aug 8, 2026 | Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic | Indoor + Beach Volleyball; 37 countries competing | JCC 2026 |
4. Beach Volleyball 2026 → A Brand-New Era
🌐 Volleyball World Beach Pro Tour 2026
- 🗓️ Dates: March – August 2026
- 🔹 Highlights: 8 Elite tournaments + 7 Challenge tournaments + 29 Futures events; equal prize money for men/women; expanded draws
- 🌟 Must-Watch Stops: Bhubaneswar (India), João Pessoa/Saquarema (Brazil), Xiamen (China), Hamburg (Germany), Chicago (USA)
- 🔗 Official Link: Beach Pro Tour 2026
🆕 FIVB Beach World Series (Debut!)
- 🗓️ Launch Date: November 2026
- 🏙️ Founding Destination: Dubai (5-year partnership—Dubai hosts the opening event annually)
- 🔹 Vibe: Combines elite sport with local culture (music, DJs, beach parties); 10 global destinations handpicked for their vibe and infrastructure
- 🎯 Fan Appeal: More entertainment, better venues, and a “destination experience” (think: watching volleyball with Dubai’s skyline in the background!)
- 🔗 Official Link: FIVB Beach World Series Announcement
🌏 Asian Beach Games 2026 (Sanya)
| Event | Dates | Location | Volleyball Details | Official Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6th Asian Beach Games | Apr 22 – 30, 2026 | Sanya, China | Beach Volleyball at Tianya Haijiao Venue Cluster (iconic beach setting!) | Sanya 2026 |
5. Youth World Championships → Stars of Tomorrow
| Event | Dates | Host | Official Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| Girls’ U17 World Championship | Aug 6 – 16, 2026 | Santiago, Chile | FIVB Youth Competitions |
| Boys’ U17 World Championship | Aug 19 – 29, 2026 | Doha, Qatar | FIVB Youth Competitions |
🎯 Why 2026 Is Non-Negotiable for Volleyball Fans
- No Downtime: No World Championships = every tournament (VNL, Continental Champs) has stakes. No “warm-up” matches—just pure, unfiltered intensity.
- Olympic Dreams on the Line: 2026 is the first major step toward LA 2028. Watch teams fight for their spot in history—this is where legacies start.
- China’s Double Host Role: VNL finals in Macao (women’s) and Ningbo (men’s) + Women’s AVC in Tianjin. Home-court energy is unmatched—don’t miss it if you can!
- Beach Volleyball’s Upgrade: The FIVB Beach World Series is redefining the sport. It’s not just volleyball—it’s a global party with sand, sun, and elite athleticism.
- Ranking Chaos: With no World Championships, VNL points are weighted heavily. A single upset could shake up the top 10—every match is a potential headline.
📌 If you’re a fan, athlete, coach, or bettor—2026 is a year you can’t afford to ignore.
Part Two: VNL 2026 Schedule & Key Matches
📅 Quick VNL 2026 Schedule Recap (Fan-Friendly Highlights)
Before we get into the nitty-gritty, here’s the essential info every fan needs:
| Aspect | Women's VNL | Men's VNL |
|---|---|---|
| 🏁 Season Start | June 3, 2026 | June 10, 2026 |
| 🎯 Opening Match | 🇧🇪 Belgium vs. 🇵🇱 Poland (Nanjing, China) | 🇵🇱 Poland vs. 🇨🇺 Cuba (Linyi, China) |
| 📈 Format | 18 teams | 18 teams |
| 12 matches each in 3 preliminary weeks | 12 matches each in 3 preliminary weeks | |
| Top 7 + Host China advance to Finals | Top 7 + Host China advance to Finals | |
| 🏆 Finals | July 22-26 in Macao, China | July 29 - Aug 2 in Ningbo, China |
| 📺 How to Watch | LIVE on VBTV | LIVE on VBTV |
🔗 OFFICIAL SOURCE: Volleyball World VNL 2026 Hub
📌 Fan Tips
🎫 Plan early: Many venues sell out quickly, especially Finals in Macao & Ningbo.
📅 Follow live updates & full match times: Visit the official schedule year page 👉 https://en.volleyballworld.com/volleyball/competitions/volleyball-nations-league/schedule/
📺 Watch everywhere: Most matches stream on VBTV worldwide.
📍 Local atmosphere: Expect huge home crowds in Japan, Brazil, Serbia and Canada.
🏟️ Match Format by Competition Week
Each venue follows a consistent weekly rhythm:
| Day | Matches |
|---|---|
| Wednesday | 3 |
| Thursday | 2 |
| Friday | 2 |
| Saturday | 2 |
| Sunday | 3 |
This format guarantees daily volleyball action throughout the VNL season.
🎯 VNL 2026 Format in a Nutshell
✔️ Preliminary Phase: Three competition weeks
✔️ 12 matches per team (spread among three locations per week)
✔️ Top 8 advance to Finals
✔️ Final 8 knockout: Quarterfinals → Semis → Bronze & Gold matches
This format brings global rivalry and consistent action for fans across five continents.
🏐 VNL 2026 Fan’s Guide: The Key Clashes You Cannot Miss!
From opening-day thrillers to Olympic and World Championship rematches, this season is packed with must-watch volleyball. 👉 If you don’t have time to watch every match (who does?), here’s my fan-approved shortlist of the biggest VNL 2026 clashes to lock into your calendar 🗓️✨
⭐ Can’t-Miss Women’s Matches (VNL 2026)
These women’s matchups feature elite rivalries, rematches of major finals, and decisive pool finales.
🔥 Women’s VNL 2026 – Key Matches at a Glance
| Match | Date | Local Time | Host City | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 🇧🇪 Belgium vs 🇵🇱 Poland | June 3 | 11:30 | Nanjing | Opening match of VNL 2026 |
| 🇹🇷 Türkiye vs 🇮🇹 Italy | June 6 | 15:30 | Brasília | World Championship final rematch |
| 🇧🇷 Brazil vs 🇮🇹 Italy | June 7 | 14:30 | Brasília | VNL Final rematch |
| 🇨🇳 China vs 🇵🇱 Poland | June 7 | 19:00 | Nanjing | Host showdown vs 3-time bronze medalists |
| 🇺🇸 USA vs 🇮🇹 Italy | June 20 | 16:00 | Philippines | Paris 2024 Olympic final rematch |
| 🇨🇳 China vs 🇹🇷 Türkiye | June 21 | 19:30 | Ankara | Powerhouse clash, pool closer |
| 🇯🇵 Japan vs 🇧🇷 Brazil | July 8 | 19:20 | Kansai | Speed vs power classic |
| 🇯🇵 Japan vs 🇹🇭 Thailand | July 9 | 19:20 | Kansai | All-Asian derby |
| 🇯🇵 Japan vs 🇹🇷 Türkiye | July 11 | 19:20 | Kansai | Quarterfinal rematch vibes |
| 🇯🇵 Japan vs 🇵🇱 Poland | July 12 | 19:20 | Kansai | Bronze medal rematch |
| 🇨🇳 China vs 🇮🇹 Italy | July 12 | 20:00 | Hong Kong | High-stakes pool finale |
💡 Fan tip: Japan’s Kansai week (July 8–12) is one of the most stacked home stretches in the entire tournament.
⭐ Must-Watch Men’s Matches (VNL 2026)
The men’s competition delivers Olympic champions, world champions, title defenses, and historic debuts.
🔥 Men’s VNL 2026 – Key Matches at a Glance
| Match | Date | Local Time | Host City | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 🇵🇱 Poland vs 🇨🇺 Cuba | June 10 | 13:00 | Linyi | Defending champs open campaign |
| 🇫🇷 France vs 🇮🇹 Italy | June 10 | 16:00 | Ottawa | Olympic champs vs World champs |
| 🇧🇪 Belgium vs 🇧🇬 Bulgaria | June 10 | 13:00 | Brasília | Belgium’s first-ever men’s VNL match |
| 🇧🇬 Bulgaria vs 🇮🇹 Italy | June 24 | 13:00 | Ljubljana | World Championship gold medal rematch |
| 🇧🇷 Brazil vs 🇮🇹 Italy | June 26 | 20:00 | Ljubljana | Volleyball giants collide |
| 🇯🇵 Japan vs 🇮🇹 Italy | July 15 | 19:20 | Kansai | Host nation vs world champions |
| 🇺🇸 USA vs 🇧🇷 Brazil | July 16 | 20:00 | Chicago | Olympic medalists showdown |
| 🇺🇸 USA vs 🇧🇬 Bulgaria | July 18 | 20:00 | Chicago | Physical battle, Finals implications |
| 🇺🇸 USA vs 🇵🇱 Poland | July 19 | 20:00 | Chicago | Pool-deciding blockbuster |
💡 Fan tip: Chicago Week (July 16–19) is basically a mini-Finals preview—every match feels like knockout volleyball.
Part Three: VNL 2026 Tickets, Prices & Pools
📍 Where to Buy VNL 2026 Tickets (Trusted Platforms—Skip Scalpers!)
|
Platform
|
Type
|
Key Info for Fans
|
Direct Link
|
|---|---|---|---|
|
Volleyball World Official
|
Primary
|
First to release new pools, direct venue ticketing, no hidden fees
|
|
|
Ticketmaster
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Primary/Secondary
|
Handles Canadian pools (Ottawa/Quebec City) + select international venues
|
|
|
Vivid Seats
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Secondary
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Verified resale, all-in pricing, 100% buyer guarantee (perfect for sold-out games)
|
|
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FFVolley (France)
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Local Official
|
Exclusive ticketing for France’s host pool (Orléans, Week 2)
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👩🏐 Women’s VNL 2026: Ticket Status & Must-See Pools
|
Week
|
Dates
|
Host City
|
Venue
|
Teams & Can’t-Miss Matchups
|
Ticket Status
|
Direct Ticket Link
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
1
|
June 3–7
|
Quebec City, Canada
|
Centre Vidéotron
|
Canada, USA, France, Japan, Ukraine, Germany🔥 Ukraine (debut) vs USA (3-time VNL champs)
|
On Sale Now
|
|
|
1
|
June 3–7
|
Brasília, Brazil
|
BRB Arena Nilson Nelson
|
Brazil, Italy, Netherlands, Türkiye, Dominican Republic, Bulgaria🔥 Brazil vs Italy (2025 VNL final rematch)
|
Available Soon
|
|
|
1
|
June 3–7
|
Nanjing, China
|
Nanjing Olympic Youth Sports Park Gymnasium
|
China, Serbia, Belgium, Poland, Thailand, Czechia🔥 China vs Poland (3-time VNL bronze medalists)
|
Available Soon
|
|
|
2
|
June 17–21
|
Ankara, Türkiye
|
Ankara Arena
|
Türkiye, Brazil, France, Belgium, Germany, China🔥 Türkiye vs China (pool closer showdown)
|
Available Soon
|
|
|
3
|
July 8–12
|
Hong Kong, China
|
Kai Tak Sports Park
|
China, Italy, Ukraine, Canada, Belgium, Dominican Republic🔥 China vs Italy (title contender clash)
|
Available Soon
|
|
|
Finals
|
July 22–26
|
Macao, China
|
TBD
|
Top 8 teams (host China + 7 prelim leaders)
|
Available Soon
|
👨🏐 Men’s VNL 2026: Ticket Status & Must-See Pools
|
Week
|
Dates
|
Host City
|
Venue
|
Teams & Can’t-Miss Matchups
|
Ticket Status
|
Direct Ticket Link
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
1
|
June 10–14
|
Ottawa, Canada
|
The Arena at TD Place
|
Canada, Germany, Italy, USA, Türkiye, France🔥 France (Olympic champs) vs Italy (World champs)
|
On Sale Now
|
|
|
1
|
June 10–14
|
Brasília, Brazil
|
BRB Arena Nilson Nelson
|
Brazil, Argentina, Bulgaria, Serbia, Belgium, Iran🔥 Belgium (VNL debut) vs Bulgaria
|
Available Soon
|
|
|
1
|
June 10–14
|
Linyi, China
|
Linyi Olympic Sports Park Gymnasium
|
China, Cuba, Slovenia, Ukraine, Poland, Japan🔥 Poland (defending champs) vs Cuba
|
Available Soon
|
|
|
2
|
June 24–28
|
Orléans, France
|
Arena d’Orléans Co’Met
|
France, USA, Serbia, Japan, Iran, Cuba🔥 France vs Serbia (epic rivalry)
|
On Sale Now (France Only)
|
|
|
3
|
July 15–19
|
Chicago, USA
|
NOW Arena
|
USA, France, Brazil, Poland, China, Bulgaria🔥 USA vs Poland (title showdown)
|
Available Soon
|
|
|
Finals
|
July 29–Aug 2
|
Ningbo Beilun, China
|
TBD
|
Top 8 teams (host China + 7 prelim leaders)
|
Available Soon
|
💰 VNL 2026 Ticket Prices: What to Expect (Fan Budget Breakdown)
|
Venue/Region
|
Lowest Price (Single Day)
|
Average Price (Single Day)
|
Premium/Rivalry/Finals Price
|
|---|---|---|---|
|
Chicago (NOW Arena, USA)
|
$52
|
$65
|
$85+ (USA vs Poland)
|
|
Orléans (France)
|
€16 (single day)
|
€36–€45 (single day)
|
€81–€89 (3-match pack)
|
|
Quebec City/Ottawa (Canada)
|
$36
|
$85
|
$120+ (France vs Italy, USA vs Ukraine)
|
|
Nanjing/Hong Kong/Macao (China)
|
TBD
|
TBD
|
Expected ¥300–¥1500 (CNY)
|
📝 Fan Pro Tips to Secure VNL 2026 Tickets (From Someone Who’s Been There!)
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Act Fast for Rivalry Matches: France vs Italy, USA vs Poland, and China vs Türkiye will sell out in hours (not days!). Set calendar alerts for on-sale dates—Volleyball World announces them 1–2 weeks in advance.
-
Check Local Ticketing Sites: Host countries (like France’s FFVolley or Brazil’s local platforms) often have exclusive discounts or better seat options than international sites.
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Use Vivid Seats for Sold-Out Games: If your dream match sells out, Vivid Seats’ verified resale is your best bet—their 100% buyer guarantee means no fake tickets, and all-in pricing hides no fees.
-
Book Early for Finals: Macao (women’s) and Ningbo (men’s) Finals tickets are the most in-demand. Expect them to go on sale 4–6 weeks before the event—mark your calendar!
Part Four: How to Watch VNL 2026 Live
🔴 Official VNL 2026 Live Stream: VBTV (The Go-To for Global Fans)
|
What You Get
|
Subscription Options (2026)
|
Device Compatibility
|
Pro Fan Notes
|
|---|---|---|---|
|
• All VNL 2026 matches live + on-demand• Highlights, replays, and behind-the-scenes content• Multiple camera angles (for select matches)• Commentary in English, Spanish, and Portuguese
|
• VNL Pass: ~$29.99 (covers entire VNL season)• Monthly Pass: ~$9.99 (good for June/July/August)• Single Match Pass: ~$4.99 (if you only watch a few games)
|
Phone (iOS/Android), tablet, smart TV (Samsung/LG/Apple TV), laptop/desktop (Chrome/Safari/Firefox), gaming consoles (Xbox/PlayStation)
|
VBTV had a 240% increase in watch time in 2025 (over 819 million minutes!), so it’s trusted by millions of fans worldwide 🌍. No ads during live matches—major win!
|
📺 Regional TV Broadcasters (Watch for Free/With Cable)
|
Region/Country
|
TV Broadcaster
|
What They Show
|
Link
|
|---|---|---|---|
|
United States
|
CBS Sports, Big Ten Network (BTN)
|
All USA men’s/women’s matches live; select other top clashes
|
|
|
Poland
|
Polsat Sports
|
All VNL matches (men’s + women’s); Polsat holds a multi-year partnership with Volleyball World through 2030
|
|
|
Brazil
|
Globo, SporTV
|
All Brazil matches; select Finals games (volleyball outperforms F1 and NBA in Brazil!)
|
|
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China
|
CCTV-5, Migu Video
|
All China men’s/women’s matches; Finals (host country perk!)
|
|
|
Canada
|
TSN, RDS
|
All Canadian host pool matches (Ottawa/Quebec City); select Finals games
|
|
|
Global (English Commentary)
|
Volleyball World YouTube (select matches)
|
1–2 free matches per week (usually non-USA/Brazil/Poland clashes)
|
🌍 Travel-Friendly Hacks: Watch VNL 2026 Live Abroad
1. Use a Travel eSIM (Best for Reliability)
2. Legit VPN (For Geo-Blocked Streams)
-
NordVPN: Fast, reliable, and works with VBTV/CBS/TSN (~$12/month)
-
ExpressVPN: Great for multiple devices, 24/7 support (~$15/month)
3. Download Matches in Advance
💸 Free (Legit!) VNL 2026 Live Streams
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Volleyball World YouTube: 1–2 free matches per week (usually on weekends). They post the schedule of free matches every Monday—subscribe and hit the notification bell!
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Local Public TV: In some countries (e.g., Brazil, China), public channels air select VNL matches for free. Check your local listings!
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Free Trials: Sign up for a free 7-day trial of VBTV or CBS All Access (US) to watch matches for free. Just remember to cancel before the trial ends if you don’t want to pay.
📝 Fan Pro Tips to Never Miss a VNL 2026 Match
-
Set Time Zone Alerts: Matches are in different time zones (e.g., a 7 PM match in Nanjing is 7 AM in New York!). Use Time and Date to convert match times to your local time, and set phone reminders.
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Follow Volleyball World Socials: Turn on notifications for X (Twitter) and Instagram—they post live stream links, match start times, and last-minute updates.
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Use Multiple Devices: Stream on your TV while checking stats on your phone (I do this every game!). VBTV lets you log in on 2 devices at once—perfect for multitasking fans.
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Join Fan Watch Parties: Can’t watch alone? Join local volleyball fan groups or virtual watch parties on Facebook/Zoom. Nothing beats screaming at a match with fellow fans! 🎉
🔗 Quick Links to Watch VNL 2026 Live (Save This Page!)
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Official Stream: VBTV
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US Broadcasts: CBS Sports | BTN
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Poland Broadcasts: Polsat Sports
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Travel eSIM: Yoho Mobile
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Full VNL Schedule: Volleyball World Schedule