Belgium W vs Ukraine W

The 23-23 juncture in the first set decided the match's trajectory. Ukraine's ability to win the tight exchanges from that point — a service winner followed by a block on Belgium's outside hitter — broke Belgian resistance. Had Belgium taken that set, the match might have swung differently. Instead, Ukraine's composure in the clutch set the tone for the remaining two sets.

Ukraine W — The Ukrainian side was led by their middle blockers, who dominated the net in the second and third sets. Ukraine's blocking efficiency was markedly superior, particularly in the decisive third set where they held Belgium to a hitting percentage well below their tournament average.

Belgium W — Belgium's attacking unit struggled to find rhythm against Ukraine's defensive system. After a competitive first set, their passing game deteriorated, making it difficult for the setters to generate effective offence. Their 13-point third set reflected a team that had run out of answers.

Player of the Match: Ukraine's captain and opposite hitter, who delivered crucial points in the tight first set and sparked the run that broke the match open.

The set scores — 25-23, 25-20, 25-13 — tell a story of Ukrainian crescendo and Belgian collapse. The 23-25 first set was genuinely competitive; the 20-25 second set was close until the final stretch; the 13-25 third set was one-sided. The margin widened as the match progressed, a sign that Ukraine's tactical adjustments after the first set paid dividends while Belgium had no answer.

Ukraine's 3-0 win was their first sweep of the tournament. Belgium, by contrast, had not won a single set 3-0 all season — their four wins all came via 3-1 or 3-2 scorelines, reflecting a pattern of competitive but inconsistent play.

Ukraine (3-9, 15th in the final standings) secured their place in the 2027 VNL, avoiding the relegation spot that went to the 16th-placed team. Belgium (4-8, 12th) comfortably retained their status and finished above their pre-tournament expectations.

Both teams have now concluded their VNL 2026 campaigns. The VNL Finals, featuring the top eight teams from the preliminary phase, will be played later in July 2026.

Ukraine saved their best performance for last, delivering a complete performance when it mattered most. Belgium, already safe from relegation, lacked the urgency to match their opponents' intensity. The 25-13 third set was a fittingly emphatic conclusion to Ukraine's survival mission.