July 12, 2026. – The United States clinched the top seed for the Women’s Volleyball Nations League Finals, while Canada secured its first-ever berth in the Finals with a victory over the Dominican Republic as both teams closed the VNL Preliminary Phase on Sunday.
The Americans defeated Brazil to finish atop the standings, while Canada placed fifth. The VNL Finals begin on July 22 in Macao, China.
United States Finishes First in the Preliminary Phase
The United States defeated Brazil 3-0 (26-24, 25-22, 25-16) to clinch first place in the Preliminary Phase and earn the top seed for the VNL Finals in China.
The Americans completed the Preliminary Phase with a 10-2 record, tying Italy in victories but finishing ahead on points, 29-28.
In the match against Brazil, the United States held the advantage in attacks (46-42) and blocks (13-9), while Brazil led in service aces (3-2). The Americans also capitalized on 15 unforced errors committed by the South Americans.
Avery Skinner led the U.S. offense with 21 points, including three blocks. Jordan Thompson added 16 points, while Logan Eggleston finished with 13 points, including five blocks.
Canada Defeats the Dominican Republic and Advances to the Finals
Canada secured its place in the Volleyball Nations League Finals for the first time in the team’s history.
The Canadians defeated the Dominican Republic 3-1 (25-20, 17-25, 25-22, 25-18) on the final day of Week 3. However, they had already guaranteed a place among the tournament’s top eight teams thanks to their consistent performance throughout the Preliminary Phase. Canada finished with eight wins, four losses, and 24 points.
“I am extremely proud of this team and how we improved from Quebec City until now,” said head coach Giovanni Guidetti. “It was a long journey with ups and downs, but the team never stopped working and growing. I am thankful to coach this great group of players. Reaching the VNL Finals is a tremendous achievement for us—it was our first goal of the season. Now we’ll have a very tough quarterfinal, but we know we can compete against anybody.”
Canada’s top scorers in the match were Kiera Van Ryk, who recorded 21 points (18 kills and three aces), and Alexa Gray, who contributed 20 points (19 kills and one block).
In the overall tournament statistics, Van Ryk finished the Preliminary Phase as the leading scorer and top attacker in the Women’s VNL, while also ranking as the second-best server. Emily Maglio ended the Preliminary Phase as the second-best blocker, and Brie Fransen ranked fourth among setters.
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