Poland recorded their first loss in the 2026 Nations League, after falling to Slovenia 2:3 (25:27, 25:23, 24:26, 25:21, 17:19) in one of the tournament's most dramatic matches to date.
The match featured numerous twists and turns and closely contested set finishes. The Slovenians snatched the first set 27:25, but the Poles quickly restored parity after a 25:23 win in the second set. The third set was again decided in favor of Slovenia after 26:24, before Nikola Grbic's team equalized the score with a 25:21 win in the fourth set.
The tie-break offered another dose of tension. Poland led 12:9, but the Slovenians managed to overcome the deficit and, after extended play with differences, secured the final victory with a 19:17 score.

The top scorer for the winners was Nik Mujanovic with 37 points.
For Poland, Bartosz Gomulka and Bartosz Firszt each scored 19 points.
Although Poland outperformed their opponent in blocks (11:7), in aces (8:6), and in reception, the Slovenians compensated with a stronger attack (75:65). Interestingly, both teams finished the match with a perfectly even total of points – 116:116, which is the best proof of the dramatic nature of the clash.
The loss to Slovenia cost Poland dearly in the FIVB World Ranking as well. The leader in the ranking lost 9.72 points but maintained their first place, although their lead over Italy narrowed to 7.32 points.

photos:volleyballworld.com