Poland defended the men’s VNL title in Ningbo, beating the USA 3-2 (25-21, 23-25, 25-27, 25-23, 15-10). Tomasz Fornal was named MVP. Slovenia earlier took historic bronze with a 3-1 win over Japan.
Final arc
Poland took set one, USA answered to lead 2-1, then Poland forced a fifth and pulled away after 6-6 for 15-10. Block and aces favoured the champions.
Title meaning
Third VNL crown for Poland (2023, 2025, 2026). Fourth silver for the USA in four VNL finals.
More in volleyball.
What to rewatch
Fornal’s serve run in set four and Poland’s fifth-set composure after the 6-6 tie.
The fifth set told the truth
After 6-6, Poland’s serve run to 13-7 ended the match. The USA were a set from gold at 2-1 and again could not close. That is now four VNL final silvers.
Fornal’s serve, Leon’s side points and Semeniuk’s 17 off the bench spread USA’s blocking plan. Slovenia’s first VNL medal is a separate landmark.
Bottom line
Poland closed another Finals like champions. The USA still need answers in deciding sets.
Bottom line
Poland closed another Finals like champions. The USA still need answers in deciding sets.
Why the USA keep finishing second
Four VNL final silvers is a pattern. In 2026 the Americans led 2-1 again and still lost the fourth-set close and the fifth after 6-6. Poland’s serve-block surge decided it.
The USA need clearer deciding-set roles: who risks on serve, who covers the block, how quickly they adjust on Fornal. Poland kept their identity even from behind; Semeniuk’s 17 off the bench split the blocking plan. Slovenia’s first medal is a separate landmark.
After men’s VNL 2026
Poland leaves with the trophy and a deciding-set formula. The USA leave with another silver and a punch list for fifth sets. Slovenia leave with a first medal that changes how they walk into the next window. Keep the 6-6 stretch, Komenda’s serve and Semeniuk’s 17 — that is why the final ended 3-2.
FAQ
Champion?
Poland.
MVP?
Tomasz Fornal.
Bronze?
Slovenia.
Another five-set final — and Poland owned the decisive stretch again.
