2026 Volleyball Nations League Teams Revealed
June 3–7, 2026 at the Videotron Centre
Following Volleyball Canada’s announcement in December 2025 that the Videotron Centre would host the Volleyball Nations League (VNL) for a second consecutive year—this time featuring the women's competition—Volleyball World today officially unveiled the group lineup for the 2026 edition of this elite international tournament.
Québec City will welcome the Canadian women's national team alongside powerhouses from France, Germany, Japan, Ukraine and the United States. With the U.S. holding the Olympic silver medal and Japan currently the top-ranked team in the competition at No. 5 in the world, fans can anticipate thrilling, world-class matches this June.
"Hosting these top-tier national teams is a tremendous honour for our city," says Gilles Lépine, President of the local organizing committee. "The competition will be fierce and of Olympic calibre. Volleyball is probably the most popular women's sport in the world. We are very excited that Québec City will join Brasilia and Nanjing as a host city for the opening round."
Martin Tremblay, President of Gestev, added: "The Volleyball Nations League men's competition last year was a resounding success—worthy of Québec City's reputation as a town passionate about sports and big events. We're thrilled to welcome the women's teams to the Videotron Centre this year. Québec City fans have always turned out for women's sports, and this event is another chance to put our city on the map."
"We're excited to collaborate again with our outstanding partners in Québec City and Ottawa," says Alan Ahac, Director of Indoor International Events for Volleyball Canada. "Bringing some of the world's best women's and men's teams to Canada fuels the sport's growth here, and the Volleyball Nations League delivers an unforgettable experience for fans of all ages."“We’re thrilled to welcome the world’s best volleyball teams back to Canada in 2026. The Volleyball Nations League showcases elite international competition and welcomes the next generation of athletes with affordable tickets for youth teams and families. The tournament supports the local economies and jobs in Québec City and Ottawa. Canada has a strong track record of hosting world-class sporting events that leave lasting legacies. Competitions like this are a win for fans, for volleyball across the country and for our dedicated Canadian athletes as they prepare for the Olympic Games.”-The Honourable Adam van Koeverden, Secretary of State (Sport)
Fan Fest elevates the spectator experience
In addition to the Olympic-calibre matches, attendees can enjoy Fan Fest, which will transform the Videotron Centre and Place Jean-Béliveau into a volleyball playground. Inside, the lobby will feature interactive activities and booths: fans will be able to test their vertical jump against the pros, join a passing challenge, preserve the experience for posterity at the photo booth, face off against a national team player in virtual reality, and visit the Desjardins booth. Outside in Place Jean-Béliveau, four beach volleyball courts and six Boardball courts (a volleyball-inspired twist on Spikeball) will be laid out on 20,000 square feet of synthetic turf. Volleyball and Boardball clinics, food trucks, music and picnic areas will round out the festive atmosphere.
Men's matches head to Ottawa
Following the Québec City event, Canada will also host a men's group including teams from Canada, France, Italy, Germany, Türkiye and the United States from June 10–14, 2026. Italy is currently ranked 2nd in the world; France, the 2024 Paris Olympic champ, is No. 4; and the American Olympic bronze medalist team is No. 5.
About the Volleyball Nations League
The Volleyball Nations League (VNL) is one of the world's most prestigious and widely watched international tournaments. Each season includes 116 games per gender, including the preliminary and final rounds. Every team plays at least 12 games. In the preliminary round, teams compete in different host cities for three weeks, divided into three groups of six per week.