The Brazilian men’s volleyball team takes the court this Wednesday, June 25, at 6 PM (Brasília time), to face Canada in the opening of the second week of the 2025 Volleyball Nations League (VNL) in Chicago, United States. The match, valid for the qualifying phase, will be broadcast live on SporTV 2, a pay-TV channel, and on the VBTV streaming platform, which shows all competition games. With three wins in four matches in the first week, Brazil aims to maintain its strong performance to secure a spot in the final phase, set for Ningbo, China. The head-to-head record favors the team led by coach Bernardinho, with three victories in five clashes against the Canadians since 2018, though the loss in the last encounter in 2024 calls for caution.
The game marks the start of a challenging sequence for the team, which will face opponents like China, Italy, and Poland in the same week. After a solid first phase in Rio de Janeiro, where they defeated Iran, Ukraine, and Slovenia but fell to Cuba, Brazil holds third place in the standings with nine points, behind Poland and Japan. The match in Chicago will be held at the NOW Arena, one of the venues chosen for the competition, which brings together the world’s top 18 teams.
- Team highlights: Setter Fernando Cachopa and middle blocker Judson were the standout players in the first week.
- Main goal: Secure qualification for the final phase, which includes the top eight teams.
- Immediate challenge: Face Canada, which aims to surprise after mixed results in the initial stage.
The Brazilian team’s preparation was intense, focusing on tactical adjustments after the loss to Cuba. Coach Bernardinho emphasized the importance of consistency in such a balanced competition.
Pra começar!💪🏐
— Vôlei Brasil (@volei) June 25, 2025
A seleção masculina volta à quadra, nesta quarta-feira, para o início da segunda semana da Liga das Nações 2025. 🇧🇷
E o primeiro desafio do time de Bernardinho será contra o Canadá, às 18h, em Chicago (EUA). 🔥
O Sportv 2 transmite ao vivo! 📺 pic.twitter.com/3zBZPDgyTm
Brazilian preparation for the match
The Brazilian team arrived in Chicago with renewed confidence after the first week. Their performance in Rio de Janeiro, with convincing victories, placed them in a comfortable position in the standings, but the defeat to Cuba serves as a warning. Middle blocker Judson, the team’s top scorer so far, highlighted the group’s mindset. “Every game is a battle, and our focus is to earn points to secure a spot in the final phase,” he stated.
Training in the U.S. included video analysis sessions, with special attention to Canada’s playing style. The opposing team is known for aggressive serving and solid blocking, demanding precision in Brazil’s passing. Additionally, Bernardinho tested lineups with players like opposite hitter Alan Souza, who could be an offensive weapon against Canada’s defense.
The VNL’s logistics, with long trips and consecutive games, is also a factor. After Chicago, Brazil will face China on the 26th, Italy on the 28th, and Poland on the 29th, all in schedules requiring quick adaptation to the time zone. The coaching staff prioritized the athletes’ physical recovery, with physiotherapy sessions and light training to minimize fatigue.
Head-to-head history
Since the creation of the Volleyball Nations League in 2018, Brazil and Canada have faced each other five times, with Brazil holding the advantage. The green-and-yellow team won in 2018, 2019, and 2022 but was defeated in 2021 and, most recently, in 2024 during the qualifying phase. The last match, played in Ottawa, ended with a 3-2 Canadian victory in a game marked by Brazil’s receiving errors.
- 2018: Brazil 3-0 Canada (preliminary phase, Varna, Bulgaria).
- 2019: Brazil 3-1 Canada (preliminary phase, Cuiabá, Brazil).
- 2021: Canada 3-2 Brazil (preliminary phase, Rimini, Italy).
- 2022: Brazil 3-0 Canada (preliminary phase, Sofia, Bulgaria).
- 2024: Canada 3-2 Brazil (preliminary phase, Ottawa, Canada).
This back-and-forth record shows the balance between the teams, especially in games played outside Brazil. Last year’s loss prompted strategic adjustments, with greater focus on defense and counterattack efficiency.
What to expect from Canada
Canada enters the second week of the VNL with inconsistent results from the initial stage in Quebec City. The team won two of their four matches against lower-ranked opponents but struggled against powerhouses like France and Poland. Coach Tuomas Sammelvuo relies on players like opposite hitter Stephen Maar and outside hitter Eric Loeppky, who stood out in the first week with powerful attacks.
The Canadian team’s strengths include fast attacks and a well-organized defensive system. In recent years, Canada has invested in renewing its roster, blending young talents with experienced players, elevating their competitive level. Despite the unfavorable record against Brazil, their 2024 victory provides confidence for the Chicago match.
A key point for Brazil will be Canada’s float serve, which often disrupts the opponent’s reception. The Brazilian coaching staff worked on tactical variations to neutralize this weapon, emphasizing libero positioning and in-court communication.
Importance of the second week
The VNL 2025 preliminary phase is played over three weeks, with each team competing in 12 matches. The second week, from June 25 to 29, is crucial for defining the standings. The top eight teams advance to the finals, scheduled for July 30 to August 3 in Ningbo, China. As the host, China is already qualified, making the race for the remaining spots even tighter.
For Brazil, securing wins in Chicago is essential to maintain their lead in the group and avoid tougher matchups in the knockout phase. The current standings show a tight race at the top, with Poland and Japan still undefeated. A strong run in North America could solidify Brazil as a title contender.
Broadcast and game access
Brazilian fans have two options to watch the match. SporTV 2, a pay-TV channel available on various providers, will broadcast the game live starting at 6 PM. The VBTV platform, the official streaming service of the International Volleyball Federation (FIVB), offers high-quality streaming with access to all VNL matches through a subscription.
- SporTV 2: Available in pay-TV packages, with Portuguese narration and commentary.
- VBTV: Global streaming with monthly or annual subscription options, ideal for following the entire competition.
- Time: 6 PM (Brasília time), with possible delays due to the arena’s schedule.
The NOW Arena, the match venue, has a capacity of about 10,000 spectators and is known for hosting major sporting events. A significant crowd is expected, including Brazilian fans living in the U.S.
Tactical challenges on the court
Brazil is likely to rely on its attacking strength, led by players like Alan Souza and Lucas Saatkamp, to overcome Canada’s defense. Bernardinho’s strategy includes varying serves, alternating between powerful and tactical ones, to disrupt the opponent’s reception. Setter Fernando Cachopa’s presence ensures dynamic play distribution, exploiting both the wings and the middle.
On the other hand, Canada will pressure with aggressive serves and aim to neutralize Brazil’s blocking, a highlight in the first week. The match promises to be closely contested, with high-intensity moments, especially in the final sets.
Competition overview
The VNL 2025 features 18 teams, two more than previous editions, after the inclusion of China and Ukraine. The tournament is divided into three preliminary weeks, with matches in nine cities worldwide. Chicago is one of the second-week hosts, alongside Burgas, Bulgaria, and Belgrade, Serbia. Each team plays four matches per week, totaling 12 in the initial phase.
The scoring system awards three points for 3-0 or 3-1 victories, while 3-2 wins grant two points to the winner and one to the loser. Losses without winning a set yield no points. This structure encourages aggressive play, as set difference is a key tiebreaker.
Fan expectations
Brazilian fans are optimistic about the match, buoyed by the team’s recent performance. On social media, supporters praise Bernardinho’s leadership and the team’s chemistry, blending experienced players with young prospects. The rivalry with Canada, though less intense than with teams like Poland or the U.S., adds extra excitement.
The presence of Brazilian fans at the NOW Arena is expected to create a supportive atmosphere, with chants and green-and-yellow flags. For those watching from home, SporTV 2’s Portuguese broadcast offers tactical analysis and exclusive halftime interviews.
Team’s next steps
After facing Canada, Brazil will take on China on the 26th at 5 PM, in another match broadcast by SporTV 2 and VBTV. The game against Italy on the 28th will be an even tougher test, as the Italians are the current world champions. The week concludes against Poland on the 29th, a match that could be pivotal for Brazil’s standings.
Preparations for these matchups are already underway, with the coaching staff tailoring strategies for each opponent. The goal is clear: accumulate as many points as possible to reach the finals in a strong position.
