Brazil and China clash this Thursday, June 26, at 6:00 PM (Brasília time), in Chicago, USA, during the second week of the 2025 Men’s Volleyball Nations League (VNL). The match, part of the qualifying phase, will be broadcast live on SporTV 2 and the VBTV streaming platform. Following a convincing 3-0 victory over Canada, the Brazilian team, led by coach Bernardinho, aims to maintain strong performance to secure a spot in the tournament’s final phase, set for Ningbo, China. The game is another challenge for the squad, navigating a new Olympic cycle toward Los Angeles 2028, with young talents and the absence of veterans like Bruninho and Lucarelli.
The Brazilian team arrives confident after a mixed first week at Maracanãzinho, Rio de Janeiro, where they secured three wins and one loss. The match against China marks their second outing in Chicago, one of the host cities for the second stage. The Chinese team, already qualified for the finals as hosts, aims to upset the Brazilians, who rank second overall.
- Brazilian highlights: Alan, with 15 points against Canada, and central Judson, a key player in the first week.
- Recent history: Brazil defeated China in two of their four VNL encounters, with the latest in 2023.
- Main goal: Secure qualification for the finals, held from July 30 to August 3.
The match promises to be a significant test for the revamped Brazilian team, blending youth and experience in pursuit of consistency.
O técnico Bernardinho analisa a vitória da seleção brasileira contra o Canadá na Liga das Nações pic.twitter.com/CocCEfF86r
— Vôlei Brasil (@volei) June 26, 2025
History of Brazil vs. China matchups
Brazil holds an edge in the head-to-head record against China in the Nations League. Since the tournament’s inception in 2018, the teams have met four times, with Brazil winning twice. Their most recent clash, in 2023, ended in a Brazilian victory, reinforcing their dominance over the Chinese. However, the Asian team, now coached by Vital Heynen, fields a refreshed roster with players competing in competitive leagues, such as those in Italy and Poland.
China, despite being guaranteed a finals spot as hosts, seeks to climb the standings. The team relies on players like opposite Zihua Wen and setter Yaochen Yu to challenge Brazil. Thursday’s game offers the Chinese a chance to test their mettle against one of volleyball’s powerhouses.
Brazil’s performance in the first week
In the first week at Maracanãzinho, Brazil faced four opponents: Iran, Cuba, Ukraine, and Slovenia. The campaign kicked off with a 3-0 win over Iran, followed by a tight tiebreak loss to Cuba. Against Ukraine, Brazil staged a comeback from a 2-0 deficit to win 3-2. The final match against Slovenia saw another Brazilian victory, cementing their third-place standing at the end of the initial phase.
Central Judson emerged as a top scorer, while setter Fernando Cachopa was pivotal in orchestrating plays. The absence of veterans like Bruninho, Lucão, and Lucarelli, either retired or injured, gave opportunities to youngsters like Darlan and Lukas Bergmann, who have risen to the occasion.
- First-week matches:
- Brazil 3-0 Iran
- Brazil 2-3 Cuba
- Brazil 3-2 Ukraine
- Brazil 3-1 Slovenia
What to expect from the Chicago showdown
The match against China will take place at the Now Arena in Chicago, a venue familiar with past VNL games. Brazil is expected to stick with its aggressive serving and blocking strategy, which proved decisive against Canada. Alan, the top scorer in the last game, and Flávio, effective in blocking, are likely to lead the team on the court.
China, meanwhile, relies on a fast-paced game, with attacks from the wings and a solid defense led by libero Zongshuai Qu. Coach Vital Heynen, known for tactical acumen, may target weaknesses in Brazil’s reception, especially under pressure. The game will test both teams’ patience and consistency.
Structure of the 2025 VNL
The 2025 Men’s Volleyball Nations League features 18 teams for the first time, up from 16 in previous editions. Each team plays 12 matches in the qualifying phase, split across three weeks in different host cities. The top eight teams advance to the finals in Ningbo from July 30 to August 3. As hosts, China is assured a quarterfinal spot, which may shape their approach in the early stages.
The first phase includes venues in Rio de Janeiro (Brazil), Xi’an (China), Quebec (Canada), Chicago (USA), and Chiba (Japan). After playing at home in the first week, Brazil now tackles the North American leg, facing China, Italy, and Poland. The third week in Chiba will pit them against Argentina, Japan, Turkey, and Germany.
Standout Brazilian players
Brazil’s roster overhaul has drawn attention in the 2025 VNL. Without some of its biggest stars, the team leans on emerging talents to keep Brazil among the world’s elite. Beyond Judson and Cachopa, other players have shone:
- Alan: The opposite, playing for Skra Bełchatów in Poland, led scoring against Canada with 15 points.
- Darlan: A young opposite, he brings power to attacks and consistency in serving.
- Flávio: The central and new captain, he leads with experience and blocking prowess.
- Lukas Bergmann: The Sesi Vôlei passer has been a versatile starter.
Coach Bernardinho, renowned for his tactical rigor, stressed the need for consistency throughout the tournament. After the Canada win, he praised the team’s attitude but called for adjustments, particularly in reception and reducing unforced errors.
Fan support in Chicago
Chicago, a vibrant U.S. city, has a sizable Brazilian community, ensuring strong crowd support for the team. The Now Arena, with a capacity of about 10,000, has hosted memorable VNL matches, and a lively atmosphere is expected. Brazilian fans have been a boost for the team, especially in away games.
The broadcast on SporTV 2 and VBTV ensures millions of Brazilians can watch. The VBTV streaming platform, covering all VNL matches, has seen a surge in Brazilian subscribers, reflecting growing interest in the tournament.
Brazil’s upcoming challenges
After facing China, Brazil has two more matches in Chicago:
- Brazil vs. Italy: Saturday, June 28, at 6:00 PM (Brasília time).
- Brazil vs. Poland: Sunday, June 29, at 6:00 PM (Brasília time).
Both games are critical for Brazil’s qualification. Italy, the reigning world champion, and Poland, the 2023 VNL winner, are direct rivals for top spots. A win against China could provide the momentum needed for these tough matchups.
VNL’s role in the Olympic cycle
The Nations League is a key stage in the global volleyball calendar, especially in a post-Olympic year. For Brazil, it serves as preparation for the Los Angeles 2028 cycle, where the team aims to reclaim Olympic gold. The absence of veterans like Bruninho and Lucarelli signals a transition, but the young roster has kept the team competitive.
The tournament also showcases players vying for spots in international leagues. Athletes like Darlan and Lukas Bergmann, already with Brazilian clubs, could catch the eye of European teams with strong VNL performances. For Bernardinho, the focus is building a cohesive unit to challenge the world’s best in the coming years.
Fun facts about the 2025 VNL
The 2025 Nations League edition introduced several novelties:
- New rules: The International Volleyball Federation (FIVB) is testing “double touch” allowances in setting, provided the ball stays on the same side.
- Relegation: For the first time, the lowest-ranked team will be relegated, making way for a new team in the world rankings.
- Expansion: The jump to 18 teams has heightened competition, with Ukraine and China joining the men’s event.
- Global venues: Beyond Chicago, cities like Chiba and Ningbo underscore the event’s international scope.
China in the global volleyball scene
The Chinese men’s team isn’t among volleyball’s traditional powerhouses but has shown progress in recent years. With players in European leagues and coach Vital Heynen’s arrival, the team aims to solidify its place in the global elite. Their guaranteed finals spot as hosts eases pressure, allowing them to play boldly against teams like Brazil.
Opposite Zihua Wen is a key weapon, with powerful attacks and strong blocking. China also leans on its defense, led by libero Zongshuai Qu. Despite Brazil’s favoritism, the match promises competitive moments, especially if China imposes its tempo.
Expectations for the second week
The second week of the VNL is a defining moment for Brazil to solidify its top-tier status. With matches against China, Italy, and Poland, the team faces high-level opponents. The 3-0 win over Canada showed promise, but Bernardinho emphasized maintaining focus across all sets.
Central Judson, a standout, reiterated the goal of reaching the finals: “Every game is a battle, and we’re focused on earning points to secure our spot in Ningbo.” Brazilian fans hope the team continues to represent the country with grit and talent.
