Russia to return to the Volleyball Nations League in 2027

Return after a long pause

Russia's men's and women's national teams will return to the Volleyball Nations League (VNL) in 2027. The decision was confirmed by the International Volleyball Federation (FIVB).

Due to the inclusion of the Russian teams, the tournament format for 2027 will be changed. Instead of the standard 18 teams, 19 national squads will participate in the competition. Russia takes the spots vacated by Canada (men) and Bulgaria (women). Finland (men) and Slovenia (women) will replace those countries in the tournament, respectively.

Restrictions on participation in World Championships

Despite the return to the Nations League, the Russian men's team will not participate in the 2027 Volleyball World Championship, which is hosted by Poland. According to the FIVB, the decision to decline participation in this championship was made by the Russian Volleyball Federation.

Regarding the women's World Championship, which is also planned for 2027 and jointly organized by Canada and the USA, a final decision regarding the participation of the Russian female athletes has not yet been made.

Historical context

The last participation of the Russian national teams in the Nations League was in 2021, and they last participated in the World Championships in 2018.