Match Preview
Interestingly, this will be the first-ever Nations League meeting between Belgium and Cuba. Both teams are under pressure to collect points, although for very different reasons, making this an intriguing clash in Osaka.
Belgium Desperate for Points
Belgium have little room for error if they want to keep their final tournament hopes alive, entering the final round in 13th place with a 3-5 record.
Even winning all three remaining matches may not be enough to secure a Top 7 finish, with their disappointing Week 2 performances leaving them with plenty of ground to make up.
Belgium opened Week 2 with a 3-2 defeat to Poland before bouncing back with a 3-1 victory over China. They then slipped to consecutive losses against Germany (3-1) and Turkey (3-0).
Cuba Still Searching for a First Win
Cuba have been the weakest team in the Nations League 2026 so far, sitting bottom of the standings with eight defeats from eight matches and looking like the main candidates for relegation.
They opened Week 2 with a heavy 3-0 defeat to the United States before coming close to ending their losing run against France. Cuba led 2-1 in sets but failed to close out the match, eventually losing 3-2.
Their difficult run continued with 3-1 defeats to Serbia and Iran in the final two matches of June.