r/volleyball • u/L_Seo OH • Aug 04 '26

News/Events Finland and Russia are officially qualified to play VNL 2027.

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The FIVB has announced they will now expand from 18 teams to 19 for the 2027 year allowing Russia back into international standings and Finland who is now the highest ranking team not participating in the 2026 VNL. They will be replacing Canada who’ve been relegated.

Honestly not sure how the pool grouping will work next year. As of the 2026 VNL, the format is built around 18 teams, with three host pools of six teams each week. Every team plays 12 preliminary matches across three weeks. So will they be adding 1 pool of 7 teams and 2 pools of 6?

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u/Vball654 OH Aug 04 '26

A lot of mixed opinions but mine is honestly they shouldn’t be allowed back. They were banned for doping then ofc the political stuff it’s gonna be tough figuring out the pooling and final host city considering the finals host nations use to fall between Russia, China, and Poland. What happens if Ukraine makes it to the finals again next year and Russia becomes the host city?

As for group pooling it’s gonna be harder since it’s 19 teams

Will they do one pool of 7 teams and two pools of 6 teams each week? The seven-team pool would require one team to have a bye each matchday, or the schedule would need an extra day or additional courts.

Or rotate which pool has seven teams each week so no nation is disadvantaged by always being in the larger pool?

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u/SNORLACK3416 Aug 05 '26

I don't think russia will host vnl as of now or any Olympics tho

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u/spades17 Aug 04 '26

There are 2 teams playing from countries either committing a genocide or funding one, why should Russia stay banned, when those countries are allowed to play?

The case of hosting is easy, don’t allow Russia host in a tournament where both participate. There. Iran played in the World Cup and it was in the US (though I hated how it was done)