Belgium’s Men’s National Team Joins VNL in 2026

The European squad will occupy the position vacated by their Dutch neighbors.

The Belgian team celebrates its victory over Austria in their final official match of 2024.

The Belgian men`s national volleyball team is set to make its inaugural appearance in the Volleyball Nations League (VNL) next year. Their national federation officially confirmed their spot, secured by ranking as the highest non-qualified team in the men`s FIVB Volleyball World Ranking at the conclusion of VNL 2025. This achievement means that both Belgium`s men`s and women`s national teams will now compete in the world`s most esteemed annual volleyball competition, following the women`s squad`s return to the VNL this season.

For the 2026 edition, Belgium will take over the berth previously held by their European neighbors, the Netherlands, who were relegated after finishing last in the VNL 2025 final standings.

Belgium currently holds the 17th position globally with 183.24 points, slightly ahead of their closest rival, Finland, who are 18th with 178.94 points after clinching the 2025 CEV Volleyball European Golden League title.

The “Red Dragons” had already been the highest-ranked team outside the VNL at the end of the 2024 season, maintaining a lead of approximately 20 points over Czechia, the next contender. Belgium opted not to participate in the European League this year, thereby preserving their score. However, Finland significantly closed the gap in the rankings, earning nearly 21 points during their successful continental campaign. The Finns experienced only one setback in the European League—a home loss to Greece—a defeat that ironically cost them a spot in next year`s VNL and ultimately benefited Belgium`s qualification prospects.

Under the guidance of Italian coach Emanuele Zanini, and featuring key players such as Sam Deroo, Ferre Reggers, Stijn D’Hulst, Mathijs Desmet, and Wout D’Heer, the Belgian team is scheduled to play several EuroVolley 2026 qualification matches this month. Next month, they will compete in the 2025 FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship, which begins on September 12 in the Philippines.