Match Preview
With Cuba claiming their first victory yesterday, Canada’s chances of suffering relegation have increased significantly. Can they pull off a major upset against the Asian powerhouse in Round 10?
Japan Looking to Extend Their Perfect Run
Japan have been the standout team in the Nations League 2026, sitting alone at the top of the standings with a perfect 9-0 record and already securing a place in the final tournament.
Their Week 2 schedule was relatively favourable, but they still dropped several sets in victories over Serbia (3-1), Iran (3-2) and France (3-2). They also edged fellow title contenders the United States 3-2 in a thrilling five-set encounter.
Yesterday, Japan faced reigning world champions Italy in one of the best matches of the season, eventually prevailing 3-2 after a dramatic battle full of momentum swings.
Canada Fighting to Avoid Relegation
Canada’s Nations League 2026 playoff hopes disappeared long ago, and they entered the final week focused solely on avoiding relegation. They currently sit 16th in the standings with a 1-8 record.
Their Week 2 performances were competitive but lacked consistency, as they suffered consecutive defeats to Slovenia (3-1), Ukraine (3-2) and Bulgaria (3-2).
Their losing streak stretched to four matches in late June when they pushed one of the tournament favourites, Brazil, all the way before eventually losing 3-2 after twice coming from behind to force a deciding set.
Canada suffered a fifth consecutive defeat yesterday in another five-set thriller against Argentina, throwing away a 2-0 lead.