The FIVB Volleyball Nations League kicks off its 2024 edition this week with 16 men’s and women’s teams converging for what amounts to the sport’s final major dress rehearsal before the Paris Olympics.
Team USA enters as defending women’s champions but faces immediate tests against Poland and Turkey in Pool 1 action starting Tuesday in Arlington, Texas. The Americans swept through last season with a perfect 12-0 preliminary record before dismantling Brazil in the final, but coach Karch Kiraly knows this year brings different pressures.
“We’re not sneaking up on anyone anymore,” Kiraly said after practice Monday.
Last Chances for Olympic Glory
While most teams have locked up their Olympic spots, several nations are treating the VNL as their final audition. Serbia’s women, ranked fourth globally, need strong performances to solidify their Paris rotation after an inconsistent spring that saw them drop matches to inferior competition.
“Every match matters now,” Serbian captain Tijana Boskovic said during last week’s training camp. “We cannot afford to experiment anymore.”
The men’s field presents even more intrigue. Poland’s powerhouse squad, led by opposite Bartosz Kurek, enters as heavy favorites after claiming bronze at the 2023 World Championship. The 34-year-old veteran averaged 4.8 points per set during their European Championship run — the kind of consistency that wins medals.
Japan’s Golden Generation Finally Arrives
The most compelling storyline belongs to Japan’s men. Outside hitter Yuki Ishikawa, coming off a stellar season with Allianz Milano in Italy’s SuperLega, has elevated his game to world-class levels. He recorded 487 points across 31 matches this club season, including a career-high 35-point explosion against Perugia that had Italian fans on their feet.
“Ishikawa is playing the volleyball of his life right now,” said former Olympic coach Hugh McCutcheon, now an analyst for the VNL broadcasts. “He’s become their go-to player in crucial moments.”
Brazil’s women face their own generational shift. With legendary libero Fabiana Claudino retired, 22-year-old Nyeme Costa steps into the starting role for Ze Roberto’s squad. Costa recorded 847 successful digs in the domestic Superliga this season — numbers that suggest she’s ready for the spotlight.
Compressed Schedule Favors Deep Rosters
This year’s format features a compressed schedule that could favor deeper rosters. Teams play 12 preliminary matches across four venues before the top eight advance to Bangkok’s Finals from June 20-24.
Italy’s men benefit most from this setup. Coach Ferdinando De Giorgi can rotate freely between veteran setter Simone Giannelli and rising star Paolo Porro without disrupting team chemistry. The Azzurri won 31 of 36 sets during their recent European Golden League campaign — the kind of dominance that builds confidence.
Turkey’s women present the tournament’s dark horse. Outside hitter Melissa Vargas, who switched from Cuba in 2022, has developed into one of volleyball’s premier attackers. Her 5.2 points per set average ranked second globally last season, and she’s only gotten better.
Home Court Could Decide Everything
The preliminary rounds split between Arlington, Rio de Janeiro, Fukuoka, and Ljubljana — giving several teams potential home-court advantages that could prove decisive. Brazil’s women play all four Pool 2 matches in Rio, where they haven’t lost a VNL match since 2019.
Slovenia hosts for the first time, bringing Pool 4 action to Ljubljana’s Stozice Arena. The hosts qualified for their first VNL appearance and will lean heavily on middle blocker Alen Pajenk, who averaged 2.1 blocks per set during European Championship qualifying.
France’s men open Thursday against Argentina in a rematch of last year’s semifinals. Outside hitter Earvin N’Gapeth returns from a shoulder injury that limited him to just 18 club matches with Modena — he’ll need to shake off the rust quickly.
Recent history suggests the VNL winner carries serious momentum to Olympic success. Both American squads hope to continue that trend, but with Paris just two months away, every serve could matter come August.
