Belgium W vs Germany W

Playing at the Ankara Arena in Pool 4 of Week 2, the Germans seized control from the opening exchanges. Their aggressive serving and disciplined blocking kept the Belgian attack — led by Britt Herbots — from ever finding a consistent rhythm. Belgium kept the first set tight until the midway point, trailing just 12-11, before Germany went on a decisive 6-1 run to open up an 18-12 lead. An emphatic spike down the line sealed the first set 25-20.

The second set followed a similar pattern. Belgium's "Yellow Tigers" showed flashes of the form that pushed Poland to five sets in Week 1, but Germany's blocking unit — marshalled by the towering presence at the net — proved impenetrable. The Germans pulled away from 16-14 to 22-16, and a well-placed German serve forced a Belgian error to close the set 25-19.

Trailing two sets to none, Belgium came out with more purpose in the third. Coach Kris Vansnick's side raced to an early 8-6 lead, with Herbots and Manuela Lemberechts finding gaps in the German defence. But Germany weathered the storm, levelled at 12-12, and surged ahead behind powerful serving. Belgium fought off two match points but could not prevent Germany from closing out the set 25-18.

Lena Stigrot was once again the standout performer for Germany, leading all scorers with a match-high points tally from kills and aces. Outside hitter Lina Alsmeier provided consistent support on the left side, while captain Anna Pogany anchored the reception with her trademark composure in the back court.

For Belgium, Britt Herbots carried the offensive load, but the lack of support from the rest of the attacking corps proved costly — no other Belgian player reached double figures as Germany's defensive system locked down the flanks.

Germany's third win of the VNL 2026 campaign lifted them into the upper half of the standings, keeping their hopes of reaching the Final Phase firmly alive. Belgium, meanwhile, slipped to a 2-4 record and will need to regroup quickly with matches against Brazil and hosts Türkiye still to come in this Ankara pool.

Germany face hosts Türkiye on Saturday before wrapping up Week 2 against Brazil on Sunday. Belgium's road does not get any easier — they take on an in-form Brazil side next before meeting Türkiye in the pool finale on Sunday.

Belgium and Germany have now met 14 times since 2013, with Germany winning 11 of those encounters. The Yellow Tigers' last victory over their neighbours came in a friendly back in September 2017 (3-1).