Volleyball Nations League (VNL) balls are shown as Canada competes with Germany in Ottawa, on Wednesday, June 10, 2026. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Justin Tang
By The Canadian Press

Canada falls 3-2 to top-ranked Japan at Volleyball Nations League

Jul 16, 2026 | 9:52 AM

OSAKA — Canada pushed undefeated Japan to five sets before falling to the host team Thursday in men’s Volleyball Nations League play.

Japan completed a reverse sweep, winning 3-2 with set scores of 18-25, 24-26, 29-27, 25-19 and 15-11.

Canada’s Jackson Young had a game-high 21 points.

Japan, which leads the preliminary phase with 24 points, led in attack points 74-66 and aces 4-2, while Canada out-blocked Japan 16-5.

Canada, sitting 16th out of 18 teams, has recorded only one win and lost seven matches in tiebreak situations so far in the tournament.

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Canada faces Cuba on Saturday and finishes Week 3 against Belgium, with both teams also struggling in the lower rankings.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published July 16, 2026.

The Canadian Press

by The Canadian Press

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