Belgium`s men`s national volleyball team is set to make its highly anticipated debut in the FIVB Volleyball Nations League (VNL) next year. This significant participation was officially confirmed by their national federation, as Belgium secured its spot by achieving the highest ranking among teams not yet qualified in the men`s FIVB Volleyball World Ranking at the conclusion of VNL 2025. This achievement means that both Belgian men`s and women`s national teams will compete in the world`s most prestigious annual volleyball competition, especially following the women`s squad`s return to the VNL this season.
For the 2026 edition, Belgium will take over the slot previously occupied by their European neighbors, the Netherlands. The Dutch team finished at the bottom of the VNL 2025 standings, leading to their relegation from the league.
Currently, Belgium holds the 17th position in the world rankings with 183.24 points. This places them slightly ahead of their closest contender, Finland, who are ranked 18th with 178.94 points, despite Finland`s recent victory in the 2025 CEV Volleyball European Golden League.
The `Red Dragons` were already recognized as the highest-ranked non-VNL team at the end of the 2024 season, maintaining a comfortable lead of approximately 20 points over the next candidate, Czechia. Although Belgium opted not to participate in the European League this year and thus preserved their score, Finland dangerously closed the gap in the rankings. This was largely due to their successful continental campaign, which earned them nearly 21 points. The Finns` only stumble in the European League occurred during a home game against Greece. Ironically, this single loss ultimately cost them a spot in next year`s VNL and inadvertently favored Belgium`s qualification.
Under the guidance of Italian coach Emanuele Zanini and featuring key players like Sam Deroo, Ferre Reggers, Stijn D’Hulst, Mathijs Desmet, and Wout D’Heer, the Belgian team has a busy schedule ahead. They are set to play a couple of EuroVolley 2026 qualification matches this month. Following that, in September, they will participate in the 2025 FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship, which commences on September 12 in the Philippines.
Oliver Wrenwick 
Finley Blackwood