Nations League· Season 2026
Ukraine beat Brazil 3-1 in VNL 2026 Week 2 in Ljubljana for their first-ever win over the South American giants, winning 29-27, 22-25, 25-22, 25-21.
Match Analysis
AI SummaryHow It Unfolded
Ukraine came out with remarkable composure in a gripping opening set. Neither side could seize control as the score swung past the usual 25-point threshold, but Ukraine held their nerve to edge it 29-27. The set took over half an hour and set the tone for an upset.
Brazil responded in the second set, with Lucarelli and Flávio finding their rhythm. The Brazilians steadied their passing and took it 25-22 to level the match.
Ukraine restored their lead in the third set, breaking open a tight contest at 25-22 behind powerful hitting from Yanchuk and strong blocking at the net. The fourth set saw Ukraine surge to 24-20, and despite a late Brazil rally, they closed it out 25-21 to seal the 3-1 victory.
The Turning Point
The first set was decisive. Ukraine had never taken a set off Brazil in two previous meetings (both 0-3 losses in 2023 and 2025). By winning the opening frame in extra points, they proved they could go toe-to-toe with the world's elite. Brazil were forced to chase the match thereafter, and Ukraine's belief never wavered.
Key Performers
Oleh Plotnytskyi (Ukraine) — The star outside hitter, returning to the lineup in Week 2, was instrumental in Ukraine's attack and serve receive, anchoring the side through crucial stretches.
Vasyl Tupchii (Ukraine) — The opposite delivered key points at the net, with several decisive blocks that stalled Brazil's middle attack.
Lucarelli (Brazil) — Brazil's captain led the scoring for his side with powerful swings from the left, but lacked consistent support as Ukraine's block adjusted to contain him in sets three and four.
By the Numbers
Ukraine's first-set win (29-27) was their first set victory against Brazil in VNL history — they had previously lost all six sets across two meetings. The 29-27 scoreline also reflected the match's defining stat: Ukraine won the biggest moments. In the tight first and third sets, they scored when it counted. Their blocking efficiency visibly improved after set two, disrupting Brazil's transition game.
Brazil had entered this match with just one VNL 2026 loss from six matches (a 3-2 defeat to Poland), sitting top of the standings. Ukraine, meanwhile, had a middling 3-3 record before this match but showed they can compete with anyone on their day.
What It Means
This victory dramatically boosts Ukraine's hopes of qualifying for the VNL Finals (the top eight). With their fourth win of the tournament, they climb into contention in the congested mid-table. Brazil remain well placed for a Finals spot but will want to bounce back quickly to keep pace with leaders Japan and the USA.
Ukraine next face Italy on 25 June in Ljubljana, while Brazil take on Slovenia on the same day.
Verdict
This was not a fluke — Ukraine earned it with disciplined serving, timely blocking, and composure in the high-leverage moments. Brazil will need to tighten their serve reception and find alternative scoring options if they are to return to their dominant form. For Ukraine, this result signals they are no longer just making up the numbers in the VNL.
Ukraine and Brazil have met 2 times — Ukraine won 0, Brazil won 2, with 0 draws. Their rivalry dates back to 2023. Brazil leads the head-to-head with 2 victories from 2 meetings. A combined 10 goals have been scored across these fixtures, averaging 5.00 per match (4 for the home side, 6 for the visitors). Both teams scored in 2 matches (100%). Over 2.5 goals landed in 2 games (100%), making it a fixture that tends to produce goals. The highest-scoring encounter finished 2–3 in 2025.
Statistics are for informational purposes only. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
API data: 26 Jun 2026