June 14, 2026.- The United States could not overcome Italy and lost its unbeaten record in five sets, while Canada was involved in another heart-stopping match and ended up losing to Türkiye in its third five-set defeat of the tournament, having previously lost in five sets to the United States and Germany.
Cuba finished the first week of the Men’s Volleyball Nations League without a victory, falling to host nation China.
USA Lose Unbeaten Record to Italy
In their final match of the first week of the Men’s VNL, the United States lost its unbeaten record to Italy in a five-set battle. Italy prevailed 3-2 (25-18, 15-25, 25-19, 18-25, 15-10).
The Americans outperformed the Italians in blocks (12-10) and service aces (8-7), while Italy was more effective in attack (57-50).
USA opposite Jake Hanes once again shined offensively, finishing with 23 points, including one block and five aces. Captain Matthew Anderson added 17 points, while Jordan Ewert contributed 14 points, including three blocks.
The United States concluded the first week in third place with a record of three wins and one loss.
During the second week, the United States opens play on June 24 against Cuba, faces Iran on June 25, has a rest day on June 26, takes on Japan on June 27, and closes the week against Serbia on June 28.
Canada Falls to Türkiye
Canada was unable to overcome Türkiye and lost 2-3 (21-25, 25-17, 23-25, 25-14, 8-15). It was Canada’s third five-set defeat, following losses to the United States and Germany.
In team statistics, Canada led Türkiye in attacks (54-52), while the Turks held advantages in blocks (10-9) and service aces (8-5). Türkiye committed more unforced errors, 34 compared to 25 by the North Americans.
Three Canadian players reached double digits in scoring. Jackson Young led the team with 18 points, including one block and two aces. Captain Eric Loeppky finished with 15 points, while Xander Ketrzynski added 11.
The loss leaves Canada with a 1-3 record, placing 13th in the standings. During the second week, Canada will face Slovenia on June 24, rest on June 25, play Ukraine on June 26, Bulgaria on June 27, and conclude the week against Brazil on June 28.
Cuba Falls to the Hosts
Cuba lost its fourth match in as many outings, this time against host nation China. The Chinese team won in straight sets, 3-0 (25-21, 25-19, 25-23).
In team statistics, Cuba led China in blocks (8-6), while the hosts were better in attacks (41-38) and service aces (7-3).
Miguel González was the only Cuban player to reach double digits in scoring. The opposite hitter finished with 13 points, including one block.
Entering the second week of competition, Cuba faces a difficult situation after going winless in the opening week. The Cubans will play the United States on June 24, France on June 25, Serbia on June 26, rest on June 27, and close the week against Iran on June 28.
When Does the Men’s VNL Resume?
The Men’s VNL continues with its second week of competition from June 24 to June 28.
NORCECA teams will be split between two pools. The United States and Cuba will compete in Pool 4 in Orléans, France, while Canada will play in Pool 6 in Ljubljana, Slovenia.
Pool 4 features the United States, Cuba, Serbia, Japan, France, and Iran. Pool 6 includes Canada, Slovenia, Ukraine, Brazil, Bulgaria, and Italy.
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