The third and final week of the preliminary phase of the 2026 Women's Volleyball Nations League (VNL) began with nine extremely important matches that brought clarity both to the battle for spots in the Final Eight in Macao and to the fight for survival. USA, Brazil, and Italy continued their winning streak, Turkey took a serious step towards the top four, and Canada recorded one of its most valuable victories after overturning host China in Hong Kong. In the battle for survival, the Netherlands helped Bulgaria with their win over France, and Belgium dealt a heavy blow to the Dominican Republic after a dramatic tie-break. In Belgrade, Bulgaria failed to resist Serbia but maintained 16th place in the provisional standings.

Turkey – Poland 3:1(27:25,20:25,25:19,25:19)

Turkey started the third week with an extremely valuable victory against one of their direct competitors for the top positions. After dramatically winning the first set, the Turks allowed Poland to equalize, but then took control of the match. Daniele Santarelli's team dominated the third and fourth sets and deservedly reached their seventh victory. Melissa Vargas was once again the leader with 23 points, receiving strong support from Ilkin Aydin and Hande Baladin. The Poles missed an opportunity to secure a place in the Final Eight earlier and remained with six wins.

Belgium – Dominican Republic 3:2(25:19,25:20,14:25,24:26,15:12)

Belgium squandered a two-set lead but showed character and snatched a dramatic victory in the tie-break. The Dominican Republic caught up, and in the decisive set even led 8:6, but failed to hold onto the lead. The Belgians capitalized on their stronger attack and better serve to turn the tide. For Bulgaria, the result is excellent news, as the Dominican Republic remained with only one win and continues to be behind our national team. This further increases Bulgaria's chances of retaining its place in the elite.

USA – Thailand 3:0(25:21,25:18,25:20)

The standings leader USA allowed no surprise against Thailand and recorded their eighth victory. The Americans controlled the match from start to finish, without relinquishing the initiative in any of the three sets. Olympic champion Jordan Thompson scored 17 points and was the top scorer. The Thai team offered resistance only in isolated moments but failed to seriously challenge the favorite. The victory left the Americans at the top of the standings with 23 points.

Italy – Ukraine 3:1(25:15,23:25,25:10,25:21)

Olympic and World champion Italy began the third week with a victory against debutant Ukraine. The Ukrainians managed to win the second set and briefly put pressure on the favorite, but then the Italians demonstrated their immense class. Ekaterina Antropova was unstoppable with 25 points, and returnees Paola Egonu, Myriam Sylla, Sarah Fahr, and Alessia Orro are gradually returning to form. Italy continues its pursuit of first place in the preliminary phase.

Brazil – Japan 3:1(25:20,19:25,25:19,25:23)

Brazil achieved one of its most valuable victories against host Japan in Osaka. After the Japanese equalized the score, the South Americans showed greater consistency in the key moments of the third and fourth sets. Julia Bergmann and Ana Cristina led the "Seleção" attack, while Mayu Ishikawa scored 21 points for the hosts. The success left Brazil with a record of eight wins and 23 points, the same as leader USA.

Netherlands – France 3:0(25:22,25:18,25:23)

The Netherlands left no chances for France and achieved a decisive victory, which is also of great importance for Bulgaria. The French remained in last, 18th place, with only one win and four points, while Bulgaria maintained a lead over them. The "Oranje" dominated mainly in attack and during long rallies, recording more digs in defense. Janssen was the top scorer with 15 points, and Ndiaye scored 14 for France. The French will be Bulgaria's third opponent in Belgrade.

Canada – China 3:2(19:25,25:17,25:22,23:25,15:11)

Canada pulled off one of the biggest surprises of the day, overturning host China after a five-set battle in front of nearly 9000 spectators in Hong Kong. After losing the first set, the Canadians gradually imposed their tempo, and although the Chinese sent the match to a tie-break, the visitors remained more stable in the decisive moments. Kiera Van Ryk scored 27 points, Alexa Gray added 25, and Abigail Gussin contributed 22. The victory elevated Canada to sixth place with realistic chances of participating in the Final Eight, while China remained outside the qualifying zone.

Germany – Czech Republic 3:1(22:25,25:15,25:22,25:17)

Germany made a comeback against the Czech Republic and preserved its minimal hopes for a place among the top eight. The Czechs started better and won the first set, but then the Germans gradually took control of the match. Leana Grozer and Emilia Weske led the team to victory with a total of 34 points. The victory moved Germany up to tenth place, while the Czech Republic remained just behind them.

Serbia – Bulgaria 3:0(25:16,25:19,25:27)

Bulgaria began the third week with a defeat to host Serbia. The first two sets were under the complete control of the Serbs, but in the third set, our national team showed a completely different face. Bulgaria led 13:11, overcame a 16:20 deficit, and equalized at 22:22, before reaching 25:25. In the final rallies, the hosts showed more composure and closed out the match. The loss left Bulgaria in 16th place in the VNL, but the team continues to hold its fate in its own hands before matches against the Czech Republic and France.

Provisional standings in VNL 2026

The first day of the third week further clarified the battle for the Final Eight and for survival. Canada entered the top 6, the Netherlands approached the qualification zone, and Bulgaria remained above the line despite the loss to Serbia. France continues to be last, and the Dominican Republic also remains in an extremely difficult situation.

World Ranking (VNL participants only)

After the first day of the third week, Bulgaria remains in 27th place in the world rankings. The victories of Belgium and the Netherlands did not change the position of our national team in the fight to stay in the elite, and the upcoming matches against the Czech Republic and France will be decisive for its fate in the VNL.