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COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (February 4, 2026) — Volleyball fans in the U.S. will once again experience world-class international competition as the Volleyball Nations League returns to the NOW Arena in Hoffman Estates, Illinois, July 15-19, 2026.
Hosted by USA Volleyball, the 2026 VNL Men’s Preliminary Round will feature several of the world’s top-ranked teams, including:
- Poland (No. 1), 2025 World bronze medalist, 2025 VNL champion
- Brazil (No. 3), 2025 VNL bronze medalists
- France (No. 4), two-time defending Olympic gold medalists
- United States (No. 5), 2024 Olympic bronze medalists
- Bulgaria (No. 9), 2025 World silver medalist
- China
The five-day event will showcase the best of the global game as the U.S. Men’s National Team competes on home soil against a field stacked with Olympic and world champions. Tickets will go on sale February 6, with thrilling international rivalries and high-energy matches expected throughout the week at the NOW Arena.
The Volleyball Nations League is the sport’s premier annual international competition, featuring 18 national teams per gender competing over four weeks. Each team plays 12 matches across three preliminary rounds, with the top eight advancing to the VNL Finals to determine the 2026 champions.
“Hosting VNL again in Chicago at the NOW Arena is an exciting opportunity for volleyball fans to see the very best players and teams in the world up close,” said John Speraw, President and CEO of USA Volleyball. “The energy and passion from fans here create an unforgettable experience for our athletes and for the global volleyball community.”
For more information on the 2026 VNL, including full schedules and team details, visit Volleyball World.
Tickets for the Chicago matches go on sale February 6 at 10 a.m. Central time and will be available via Ticketmaster.
Fans unable to attend in person can watch every match live with a VBTV subscription.
2026 Volleyball Nations League Chicago
Preliminary Phase Week #3
July 15-19, 2026 at NOW Arena
5333 Prairie Stone Parkway
Hoffman Estates, Illinois, 60192-3720
Match Schedule
All times Central
Wednesday, July 15: Bulgaria vs. Poland, 12 p.m.
Wednesday, July 15: France vs. Brazil, 4 p.m.
Wednesday, July 15: USA vs. China, 8 p.m.
Thursday, July 16: China vs. France, 4 p.m.
Thursday, July 16: USA vs. Brazil, 8 p.m.
Friday, July 17: China vs. Bulgaria, 4 p.m.
Friday, July 17: Brazil vs. Poland, 8 p.m.
Saturday, July 18: France vs. Poland, 4 p.m.
Saturday, July 18: USA vs. Bulgaria, 8 p.m.
Sunday, July 19: China vs. Brazil, 12 p.m.
Sunday, July 19: Bulgaria vs. France, 4 p.m.
Sunday, July 19: USA vs. Poland, 8 p.m.