VNL 2026: Bulgaria survive to Canada! Slovenia sweep Brazil in front of their home fans in Ljubljana

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Article wrote by Danijel from Ljubljana for Volleytimes, please respect his job.

Fourth day, penutilmate one, of second week of Volleyball Nations League 2026 has been completed today in three European cities: Gliwice (Poland), Ljubljana (Slovenia) and Orléans (France).

Brazil, one of the best teams of first competition week, undefeated, are still struggling to find their first win of the second week.
A shutout at the hands of hosts Slovenia on Saturday kept the South Americans winless in three matches played in Ljubljana, and they have not only slip to ninth place in the current standings, but also lost ground in the FIVB World Ranking, falling two spots down to number six, while Slovenia moved up to number five!
Playing better than the rivals, Slovenia delighted an excited home crowd of over five thousand fans in the stands with a 3-0 (27:25, 25:17, 25:20) sweep. Opposite Toncek Stern led the charge with 19 points through 68% success rate including two blocks, while outside hitters Rok Mozic Nik Mujanovic contributed another 17 and 11 points, respectively. Opposite Darlan Souza was Brazil’s only player to reach the double digits, with 10 points, including two aces and a block.

Earlier in Ljubljana, Bulgaria played their third five-setter in three matches this week, winning 3-2 (25:17, 25:22, 21:25, 25:18, 15:11) with a double comeback against Canada, improving to 4-3 and 11 in 10th place.
Meanwhile, the North Americans dropped to 1-6 and 7 in 15th.
Outside hitter Aleksandar Nikolov was again the top scorer of the match and despite making an unusually high number of errors in attack, recorded a match-high 25 points including two aces. Opposite Asparuh Asparuhov added 12 including two aces, while backup outside hitter Denislav Bardarov and middle blocker and captain Aleks Grozdanov finished with 11 points each. 19-year-old setter Simeon Nikolov shined from the serving line with five aces and 8 points. Opposite Sharone Vernon-Evans led Canada with 18 points.

Tomorrow in last match day in Ljubljana Bulgaria will face Ukraine, Canada will play against Brazil and, to close the day, Slovenia will face Italy.

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

— Saturday | June 27, 2026—

👉🏼 Pool 6 – Week 2 – Ljubljana 🇸🇮
• 16.30 (Local Time) | Bulgaria – Canada 3-2 (25:27, 25:22, 21:25, 25:18, 15:11)
📸| PHOTOGALLERY OF THE MATCH
• 20.30 (Local Time) | Slovenia – Brazil 3-0 (27:25, 25:17, 25:20)
📸| PHOTOGALLERY OF THE MATCH

| Pool 4 – Week 2 – Orléans 🇫🇷
• 17.00 (Local Time) | USA – Japan 2-3 (25:18, 21:25, 25:20, 22:25, 13:15)
• 20.30 (Local Time) | France – Serbia 3-0 (25:23, 25:16, 25:22)

| Pool 5 – Week 2 – Gliwice 🇵🇱
• 17.00 (Local Time) | Poland – Germany 3-1 (23:25, 25:16, 25:17, 25:15)
• 20.00 (Local Time) | Türkiye – Argentina 3-2 (19:25, 21:25, 25:21, 25:18, 18:16)

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

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🏐| NEXT GAMES

— Sunday | June 28, 2026—

| Pool 5 – Week 2 – Gliwice 🇵🇱
• 13.00 (Local Time) | China – Germany
• 16.30 (Local Time) | Belgium – Türkiye
• 20.00 (Local Time) | Poland – Argentina

| Pool 6 – Week 2 – Ljubljana 🇸🇮
• 13.00 (Local Time) | Bulgaria – Ukraine
• 16.30 (Local Time) | Canada – Brazil
• 20.30 (Local Time) | Slovenia – Italy

| Pool 4 – Week 2 – Orléans 🇫🇷
• 13.30 (Local Time) | Iran – Cuba
• 17.00 (Local Time) | France – Japan
• 20.30 (Local Time) | Serbia – USA

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