Belgium will make its debut in the Men's Volleyball Nations League (VNL) in 2026, after officially receiving a promotion from FIVB. The country's national federation confirmed the participation, which comes after the end of VNL 2025 and is based on the highest ranking in the world rankings among all teams outside the tournament.
A historic moment for Belgian volleyball
After the Belgian women's national team returned to the VNL this season, the men's team will now join for the first time. This means that the country will be represented in both genders in the most prestigious annual volleyball competition.
The Belgian men's team has never participated in the VNL before, which started in 2018 and replaced the previous World League. Thus, the Belgians will take the place of the Netherlands, which finished last in this year's edition and is relegated from the tournament.
The role of the world ranking
Currently, Belgium is 17th in the world ranking with 183.24 points, ahead of Finland (178.94) — the main competitor for promotion. The Belgians did not participate in the European Golden League this year and preserved their points, while Finland added nearly 21 points with its performance, but this was not enough.
The fatal loss at home to Greece in the group stage for the Finns actually proved decisive — it allowed Belgium to remain at the top among non-participating teams and earn the right to promotion.
Led by an Italian coach and stars like Deroo
Coach Emanuele Zanini has several well-known players on the European stage, including Sam Deroo, Ferre Reggers, Stijn D'Hulst, Mathijs Desmet, and Wout D'Heer.
Sam Deroo, Dobriana Rabadzhieva's ex-boyfriend, will combine his appearances with the national team with participation in the Russian Lokomotiv Novosibirsk, where he will partner with Moni Nikolov under the guidance of Plamen Konstantinov.
What's next for the "Red Dragons"
In August, the Belgians will play qualification matches for EuroVolley 2026, which Bulgaria is co-hosting, and in September they will participate in the 2025 World Championship, which starts on September 12 in the Philippines.
