VNL 2026: all results of first Day in Linyi, China. Perfect debut for Poland and Japan, two points for Slovenia

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2026 Volleyball Nations League started today with three games in China, Canada and Brazil.

Defending champions Poland opened their campaign with a straight-sets victory over Cuba, winning 25:16, 25:20, 25:21 in Linyi, China.
The winners held the edge in every statistical category, showcasing superior efficiency on all elements, converting converted 50% of their attacks compared to Cuba’s 40%, finishing with a 37-33 advantage in attack points.
They also made a strong impact from the serve line, recording six aces to the rivals’ three, while dominating at the net with an 11-7 lead in blocks.
Poland’s disciplined performance was further reflected in the error count, as they committed just 14 unforced errors compared to Cuba’s 21, helping them keep control throughout the match.
Bartosz Gomułka led the charge with 15 points with 1 block and 3 aces, while Jakub Majchrzak also contributed with 12. Cuba’s Alejandro Miguel Gonzalez led all scorers for his team with 14 points.

On the same Pool, Slovenia celebrated a hard-fought five-set victory over hosts China, 2-3 (17:25, 25:20, 25:20, 23:25, 10:15), appearing in control after taking the opening set.
However China resplied strongly to claim the next two and move within one set of a notable upset. The hosts capitalized on Slovenian errors and rode strong home support to seize the momentum.
The visitors regrouped in the fourth set, with Rok Možič author of some important blocks in the closing stages to force a decider, and his team then held the nerve in the fifth set, pulling away midway through and securing the win.
Rok Možič himself led Slovenia with 25 points including five blocks and 1 ace through 61% in attack (19/30), while Nik Mujanović added 18 and Tonček Štern also contributed with 16. China’s most prolific player was Wen Zihua with 23 points.

In last game of the day in Linyi, Japan sweep Ukraine in straight sets, 0-3 (22:25, 21:25, 22:25)

IN PROGRESS!
MORE TO FOLLOW

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🏐| FIVB Volleyball Nations League 2026 | Games of the day

Wednesday | June 10, 2026

| Pool 3 – Week 1 – Linyi 🇨🇳
• 13.00 (Local Time) | Cuba – Poland 0-3 (16:25, 20:25, 21:25)
• 16.30 (Local Time) | China – Slovenia 2-3 (17:25, 25:20, 25:20, 23:25, 10:15)
• 20.00 (Local Time) | Ukraine – Japan 0-3 (22:25, 21:25, 22:25)

| Pool 1 – Week 1 – Ottawa 🇨🇦
• 11.00 (Local Time) | Türkiye – USA
• 16.00 (Local Time) | France – Italy
• 19.30 (Local Time) | Canada – Germany

| Pool 2 – Week 1 – Brasilia 🇧🇷
• 13.00 (Local Time) | Belgium – Bulgaria
• 16.30 (Local Time) | Serbia – Argentina
• 20.00 (Local Time) | Brazl – Iran

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🏐| STANDINGS (updated on this day)
1. Poland 3
2. Japan 3
3. Slovenia 2
4. China 1
5. Serbia 0
6. France 0
7. Bulgaria 0
8. Germany 0
9. Belgium 0
10. Italy 0
11. Türkiye 0
12. Argentina 0
13. Brazil 0
14. USA 0
15. Cuba 0
16. Iran 0
17. Canada 0
18. Ukraine 0

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🏐| NEXT GAMES

— Thursday | June 11, 2026 —

| Pool 3 – Week 1 – Linyi 🇨🇳
• 16.30 (Local Time) | China – Ukraine
• 20.00 (Local Time) | Slovenia – Poland

| Pool 1 – Week 1 – Ottawa 🇨🇦
• 16.00 (Local Time) | Germany – Italy
• 19.30 (Local Time) | Canada – France

| Pool 2 – Week 1 – Brasilia 🇧🇷
• 16.30 (Local Time) | Bulgaria – Iran
• 20.00 (Local Time) | Brazil – Belgium

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