The Polish men’s national volleyball team currently holds third place in the Volleyball Nations League (VNL) standings, maintaining a record of six wins and two losses after two stages of competition in Linyi, China, and Gliwice, Poland. Head coach Nikola Grbić continues to manage a deep roster as the squad eyes a return to the VNL finals in Ningbo, China, scheduled for late July and early August 2026.
Current Standing and Path to the VNL Finals
Poland’s performance in the 2026 VNL campaign positions the team favorably for the upcoming finals. According to reports from Polsat Sport, the team’s current third-place standing is sufficient to secure a spot in the final tournament. This follows a successful cycle where the Polish squad claimed the gold medal, defeating Italy 3-0 in the championship match.
The Polish national volleyball team has a storied history of success, recently marking 14 years since a historic championship milestone.
Roster Strategy for the Chicago Tournament
Coach Grbić has finalized the squad for the upcoming matches in Chicago, where Poland is set to face Bulgaria, Brazil, France, and the United States. The roster emphasizes versatility across all positions:
- Setters: Marcin Komenda, Marcel Bakaj, Jan Firlej
- Opposite Hitters: Bartłomiej Bołądź, Kewin Sasak
- Outside Hitters: Wilfredo Leon, Artur Szalpuk, Aleksander Śliwka, Kamil Semeniuk, Tomasz Fornal
- Middle Blockers: Szymon Jakubiszak, Bartłomiej Lemański, Jakub Majchrzak, Jakub Kochanowski, Jakub Nowak
- Libero: Jakub Popiwczak, Maksymilian Granieczny
Post-VNL Schedule and European Championship Preparation
Following the conclusion of the VNL, the Polish team will shift focus toward high-intensity preparation for the European Championships. The schedule includes an appearance at the Hubert Jerzy Wagner Memorial in late August. This tournament features matches against France, Slovenia, and the United States.
The European Championships are slated to begin on September 9, with the group stage hosted in Sofia, Bulgaria. Poland faces a five-match group schedule, competing against Portugal, Israel, North Macedonia, Ukraine, and the host nation, Bulgaria.
Pro Tip: Tracking Team Performance
To stay updated on roster changes and match results, follow the official announcements on Polsat Sport.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Where are the 2026 VNL finals being held?
- The final tournament is scheduled to take place in Ningbo, China, from July 29 to August 2.
- Who are the key opponents in the upcoming Chicago tournament?
- Poland will face Bulgaria, Brazil, France, and the United States.
- When do the European Championships begin?
- The tournament begins on September 9, with the group stage matches occurring in Sofia, Bulgaria.
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