Poland defend VNL title after defeating USA in five-sets final in Ningbo!

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Poland defended the men’s Volleyball Nations League crown, lifting the trophy for the third time, after 2023 and 2025, also boasting a silver and three bronze medals in the competition.
In a thrilling five-set showdown in Ningbo Beilun, they outlasted the United States 2-3 (21:25, 25:23, 27:25, 23:25, 10:15) leaving them with their fourth silver in four VNL finals played, in addition to one bronze.
Earlier in the day at the VNL Finals in Ningbo, Slovenia grabbed their first bronze.
Polish outside hitter Tomasz Fornal earned MVP honors of the men’s VNL 2026.

In front of almost 6,000 spectators at the Ningbo Beilun Sports and Arts Center, the triumph confirmed once again the remarkable consistency of Nikola Grbić’s squad, which has established itself among the dominant forces in international volleyball.

The opening set remained balanced through the early stages before Poland gradually imposed their rhythm. Wilfredo Leon made an immediate impact with two aces and several powerful attacks as the Europeans pulled away in the closing rallies to secure a 25-21 lead.
The United States responded strongly in the second set. After building a four-point advantage midway through the frame, the Americans saw Poland erase the deficit and briefly move ahead. Jake Hanes proved decisive from the service line, helping his team regain momentum before Tomasz Fornal’s service error sealed a 25-23 American win and brought the match level.
The intensity continued to rise in the third set. Although Poland controlled much of the scoreboard, the United States stayed within striking distance and eventually overturned the deficit late in the set. Hanes delivered a flawless attacking performance, while middle blocker Taylor Averill converted the decisive points as the Americans edged the extended set 27-25 to move within one set of the title.
Facing defeat, Poland once again demonstrated its resilience. The fourth set remained separated by only a handful of points throughout, and after the Americans tied the score at 23-23, Szymon Jakubiszak restored Poland’s advantage with a quick attack before Leon produced a decisive block to send the match into a fifth set.
The tie-break remained competitive until 6-6, but that was the turning point. Marcin Komenda’s serving sparked a decisive five-point run that gave Poland complete control of the closing stages. Leon, temporarily moved to the opposite position, earned championship point before Hanes’ final attack sailed wide, sealing a memorable 15-10 victory and another VNL trophy for the reigning champions.

Poland’s success was built on the balance that has characterized Grbić’s team throughout the tournament.
The European champions finished the final with 12 kill blocks, eight aces, a 49% attacking efficiency and 45% positive reception, while also committing fewer unforced errors than their opponents. Kamil Semeniuk led the scoring with 17 points, attacking at an outstanding 57% efficiency while also contributing at the net. Leon added 15 points, including two blocks, two aces and valuable leadership during the decisive moments despite finishing with a 36% attacking percentage.
Tournament MVP Tomasz Fornal also collected 15 points, highlighted by an excellent 53% attack efficiency and five aces, capping an outstanding Volleyball Nations League campaign.

The United States produced another impressive performance despite falling just short of the title. The Americans outscored Poland in attack, finishing with a 53% attacking efficiency, while recording eight blocks, four aces and 44% positive reception. Opposite Jake Hanes was the match’s top scorer with 21 points after another excellent offensive display.
Middle blocker Merrick McHenry enjoyed an outstanding final, contributing 14 points, including an impressive seven winning blocks. Veteran Matthew Anderson once again demonstrated his class with 20 points, combining a remarkable 60% attacking efficiency with 53% positive reception and one ace in an all-around performance that kept the United States in contention until the very end.

For Poland, the victory represents another milestone under head coach Nikola Grbić, whose team has continued to deliver on the biggest stages. After surviving one of the most entertaining finals in recent VNL history, the reigning champions once again proved that their combination of experience, depth and composure under pressure remains the benchmark in international men’s volleyball.

“It’s difficult to describe… There is a lot of emotion,” Semeniuk said after the final. “I think, when we get back to Poland, we will really realize what we have achieved. Tonight was a great match and a great victory. Everybody contributed on the court, and we should be proud of our national team. It was also a pleasure to play in front of these fans, although maybe next time the final could be a little closer to Poland.”

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🏐| FIVB Volleyball Nations League 2026 | FINALS
📍Ningbo Beilun – China 🇨🇳

— Sunday | August 2, 2026 —

• 🥉BRONZE MEDAL MATCH | 15.40 (Local Time) | Japan – Slovenia 1-3 (21:25, 28:26, 22:25, 22:25)
👉🏼 🥇GOLD MEDAL MATCH | 19.30 (Local Time) | USA – Poland 2-3 (21:25, 25:23, 27:25, 23:25, 10:15)

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