VNL 2026: undefeated Japan down USA at tie break! Hosts France sweep Serbia

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Article wrote by Danilo from Orléans for Volleytimes, please respect his job.

Second week of Volleyball Nations League 2026 continued today with its penultimate day in Gliwice (Poland), Ljubljana (Slovenia) and here in Orléans (France) featuring again 2 games in each European city.

Japan continue their undefeated campaign as defeated the USA in Orléans to keep their spot at the top of the standings!
Current leaders kept their status as the only undefeated team in the tournament strongly challenged for a second-straight day and again they replied to it by coming out on top in a thriller.
One day after defeating continental rivals Iran also at tiebreak, they had to come back twice to beat the United States 3-2 (18:25, 25:21, 20:25, 25:22, 15:13).
With seven victories in as many matches, they boast 18 points in the standings and have now a two-point lead over the United States, which moved to second place with five wins and two losses, the same campaign as third-placed Ukraine.
With captain Yuki Ishikawa limited to only seven points and opposite Yuji Nishida out of the match, outside hitter Ran Takahashi led Japan with an incredible performance, delivering 26 points including two blocks and two aces, including the one that closed the game.
Opposite Kento Miyaura also had a big role in their victory, adding 20 points, all in attack.

“We knew that his match was going to be very difficult,” he said. “But we were ready for it, and I think we played better than yesterday. The fans here are amazing, and I really appreciate the unbelievable atmosphere they’re creating.”

On the other side of the net, opposite Jake Hanes was the most prolific player, trailing Ran by just one point with his 25-point performance that included two blocks and two aces.
Outside hitters TJ DeFalco with 17, Matt Anderson with 16 and middle blocker Merrick McHenry with 12 also reached a double digits.

In the evening, Olympic champions France finally had a great performance after struggling so far in the tournament celebrating a straight sets win over Serbia, 3-0 (25:23, 25:16, 25:22).

MORE TO FOLLOW

On Sunday, the last day in Orléans started with the clash between Iran and Cuba, while Japan will try to end the second week still undefeated, facing back-to-back Olympic champions and hosts France at 17:00 local time.
Later, at 20:30, the USA will face Serbia.

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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

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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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