Ukrainian women's volleyball team to debut in 2026 Nations League, FIVB officially invites
Ukraine women's volleyball team (photo: facebook.com/volleyballua)
The Ukrainian women's volleyball team will play in the Nations League for the first time in history. Our team received an official invitation from the FIVB to participate in the 2026 tournament, reports the Volleyball Federation of Ukraine.
Ukraine's debut
According to the Volleyball Federation of Ukraine (VFU), our team is ranked 15th in the world, the highest among teams that did not participate in the current VNL edition.
This ranking allowed the "blue-and-yellow" team to get a chance to debut in one of the most prestigious international tournaments. In 2026, the Ukrainians will replace the Republic of Korea, which finished this year's Nations League in 18th place.
The VFU is expected to confirm participation by July 30 and has already expressed its readiness to do so soon.
Victory in the Golden European League: Key to VNL
This season, under the guidance of Jakub Głuszak, the Ukrainian team triumphed in the Golden European League, giving them a chance for promotion.
The Ukrainian women's team will debut in the Nations League next year, following the men's team, which previously made a significant mark on the international stage.
In 2025, the Ukrainian volleyball players finished the tournament in 9th place, just one step away from the Final Eight. Their breakthrough was the best result in the history of the men's team's performances in the VNL.
World Championship ahead
Before participating in the Nations League, the team will compete in the Women's World Championship, which will be Ukraine's first since 1994.
The tournament will begin on August 23, and Ukraine's first opponent will be Serbia. Italy and Japan will also be in the group. The top two teams in the group will advance to the playoffs.
The team roster for the World Championship has faced losses, as key outside hitter Yulia Dymar will miss the competition due to injury.
