Chinese and Japanese players compete during the 2026 Volleyball Nations League men's finals quarterfinal at the Beilun Sports and Arts Center in Ningbo, Zhejiang province, on July 29. [Photo/Beilun Media Center]

The 2026 Volleyball Nations League (VNL) men's finals began in Ningbo, Zhejiang province, on July 29, with host China eliminated in the quarterfinals after a 3-1 loss to Japan.

China, facing a Japan team that had won all 12 of its preliminary-round matches, opened strongly by taking the first set 25-23. Japan responded by winning the next three sets 25-23, 25-16 and 25-23 to advance to the semifinals.

Before the match, China outside hitter Yu Yuantai said the team had made targeted preparations after the preliminary stage and would give its best against a strong Japanese side. Japan outside hitter Ran Takahashi said his team would focus on maintaining its rhythm and playing its own style. 

The finals feature eight teams: Japan, Poland, Slovenia, Italy, the United States, Turkiye, Ukraine and China.

In the opening quarterfinal on July 29, Slovenia defeated Turkiye 3-0, winning 25-21, 35-33 and 39-37. The second and third sets featured extended rallies, with Slovenia eventually emerging victorious after a tense battle beyond the regular set point.

Launched in 2018 by the International Volleyball Federation (FIVB), the VNL is an annual competition featuring the world's top national teams. Ningbo's Beilun district has hosted 25 top-level international volleyball events since 2005 and has become one of China's major volleyball venues.