Matches from the third week of the Volleyball Nations League are being played simultaneously in Osaka, Belgrade, and Chicago, and by the morning of July 16, the first nine matches of the program had already been played. They significantly changed the standings and made the battle for places in the Final Eight even more contested.
Japan is the biggest winner so far. Laurent Tillie's team remained undefeated after a dramatic 3:2 victory over world champion Italy (24:26, 25:19, 25:20, 23:25, 15:12). This was the ninth win in nine matches for the "Samurais," who, with 22 points, can practically feel assured of participation in the final tournament in Ningbo. The success also brought the Japanese closer to fifth place in the world rankings, now trailing the USA by only 0.26 points.
Slovenia took another big step towards China after a 3:1 victory over Germany (25:17, 25:17, 23:25, 28:26). Fabio Soli's team's seventh success propelled them to fourth place with 17 points, and the Slovenians achieved this without libero Jani Kovačič and opposite Toncek Štern. Mujanović scored 29 points, and Možič added another 26.
Ukraine also continues its impressive performance. Raul Lozano's team defeated Iran 3:1 (25:22, 25:21, 29:31, 25:19), recorded their sixth victory, and is now fifth with 19 points. Additionally, the Ukrainians climbed to 12th place in the world rankings, now just 1.28 points behind Germany.
Turkey dealt a heavy blow to host Serbia, winning 3:0 (25:23, 25:19, 25:18). Slobodan Kovač's squad now has 6 wins and 17 points and remains among the main contenders in the battle for a place in the final tournament.
In Chicago, Poland left no chances for Bulgaria and won 3:0 (25:19, 25:17, 25:17). "Druzyna Polska" climbed to third place with 20 points, while Gianlorenzo Blengini's national team remained with 5 wins and 14 points and are now ninth in the provisional standings.
Brazil also took advantage of the situation. "Seleção" defeated Olympic champion France 3:0 (25:23, 25:23, 25:19), gathered 16 points, and moved into seventh place – the last position that effectively grants a sports qualification for the final tournament.
The USA also continued without problems, beating China 3:0 (25:19, 25:13, 25:20). The Americans are now second with 22 points and can practically think about participating in the finals.

Provisional Standings in VNL

At first glance, Bulgaria is only one position away from eighth place, but the real situation is more complex. China is hosting the final tournament and has guaranteed participation, even though it is last in the standings. This means that only the first seven teams will qualify on sporting merit. Currently, the last quota spot is held by Brazil with 16 points, followed by Italy with 17, while Bulgaria has 14. This is why every subsequent match involving direct competitors gains enormous significance.

VNL Teams Ranking in the World Ranking

And in the world rankings, the battle is becoming increasingly fierce. Japan is already third and has an advantage of just 0.26 points over fourth-placed USA. Slovenia solidified its sixth position, and Ukraine continues to narrow its gap behind Germany in the contention for tenth place. Bulgaria is ninth with 269.40 points, but its lead over Turkey is only 2.86 points, which means that every subsequent result could lead to a new rearrangement.
Although Bulgaria is resting today, six upcoming matches could directly or indirectly influence its position in the VNL temporary standings.

Schedule for the matches concerning Bulgaria

The most important match for Bulgaria isUSA – Brazil, as the Brazilians currently hold the last, seventh qualification spot through sports. No less important is forSerbia to take points from Ukraine, whiledefeat of Turkeyon Friday would maintain the difference from yet another direct competitor. After these six matches are played, Bulgaria will face China with a much clearer idea of what will be needed in the remaining three matches of the preliminary phase.