World-Class Volleyball in Osaka
The Volleyball Nations League returns to Asue Arena Osaka from July 8–19, 2026, bringing twelve national teams and some of the sport’s biggest international matchups to Kansai. Osaka will host both the men’s and women’s VNL pools during the same season, reinforcing the city’s growing role on the international volleyball calendar.
For two weeks in July, Osaka becomes one of the most important stops on the international volleyball calendar.
The Volleyball Nations League (VNL) returns to Asue Arena Osaka from July 8–19, 2026, bringing elite international competition to Kansai across separate women’s and men’s tournaments. The Women’s Tournament runs July 8–12, followed by the Men’s Tournament from July 15–19, with twelve national teams competing across ten days of matches.
For Japanese fans, the headline attraction is the national team. The women’s side opens its Osaka campaign against Brazil before facing Thailand, Türkiye, and Poland. One week later, the men’s team takes the court against Italy before continuing with matches against Canada, Belgium, and Argentina. Several of these nations rank among volleyball’s traditional powers, creating a rare opportunity to watch world-class competition without leaving Osaka.
Beyond the matchups themselves, the tournament highlights Osaka’s growing role in the international game. Volleyball World selected Osaka to host VNL matches in 2018 and again in 2022, and the city returns to the calendar in 2026 with its largest hosting role yet. For the first time, Osaka will stage both the men’s and women’s VNL pools during the same season, bringing two weeks of international volleyball to the city.
The event also reflects volleyball’s unique popularity in Japan. While the sport occupies a niche position in many countries, Japan regularly draws some of the largest volleyball crowds in the world. National team matches are major sporting events, attracting passionate supporters and creating an atmosphere that combines international competition with the energy of a home crowd.
Whether you’re a longtime volleyball supporter or simply looking to experience a major international sporting event, VNL Osaka 2026 offers a rare chance to see Olympic-level athletes and some of the world’s best national teams competing live in Kansai.
Japan vs Brazil Opens the Women’s Tournament – The host nation begins its Osaka campaign against volleyball powerhouse Brazil in one of the week’s most anticipated matchups.
Japan vs Italy Headlines the Men’s Week– The men’s tournament opens with Japan facing Italy, a traditional global power and one of the sport’s most successful nations.
Twelve Nations, Two Weeks, One Arena– Teams from Asia, Europe, North America, and South America converge on Asue Arena Osaka for ten days of international competition.
Olympic-Level Volleyball in Kansai– National teams featuring many of the world’s top players bring the highest level of international volleyball to Osaka.
Osaka’s Growing Volleyball Legacy– The city has hosted VNL before, but 2026 marks the first time Osaka will stage both the men’s and women’s pools during the same season.
Photos: Official VNL Website, Osaka Scene
Maps
Contact
THE SCENE: FAQ’s
ACCESS
Venue: Asue Arena Osaka
Address: 3-1-40 Tanaka, Minato-ku, Osaka
Osaka Metro Chuo Line
Asashiobashi Station (Exit 2) → approx. 3 min walk
From Umeda
Umeda Station → Hommachi Station → Osaka Metro Chuo Line → Asashiobashi Station (Exit 2) → approx. 20 min
From Namba
Namba Station → Awaza Station → Osaka Metro Chuo Line → Asashiobashi Station (Exit 2) → approx. 15 min
From Shin-Osaka
Shin-Osaka Station → Hommachi Station → Osaka Metro Chuo Line → Asashiobashi Station (Exit 2) → approx. 25 min
Visitors arriving by JR can also use Bentencho Station and transfer to the Osaka Metro Chuo Line for one stop to Asashiobashi Station.
SCHEDULE
The Volleyball Nations League 2026 Osaka Tournament is divided into separate women’s and men’s competitions.
Women’s Tournament
July 8–12, 2026
July 8
12:00 Türkiye vs Poland
15:30 Thailand vs USA
19:20 Japan vs Brazil
July 9
13:00 USA vs Poland
19:20 Japan vs Thailand
July 10
13:00 USA vs Türkiye
19:20 Poland vs Brazil
July 11
15:30 Thailand vs Brazil
19:20 Japan vs Türkiye
July 12
12:00 USA vs Brazil
15:30 Thailand vs Türkiye
19:20 Japan vs Poland
Men’s Tournament
July 15–19, 2026
July 15
12:00 Canada vs Argentina
15:30 Belgium vs Cuba
19:20 Japan vs Italy
July 16
15:30 Belgium vs Italy
19:20 Japan vs Canada
July 17
13:00 Cuba vs Argentina
19:20 Japan vs Belgium
July 18
13:00 Canada vs Cuba
19:20 Argentina vs Italy
July 19
12:00 Belgium vs Canada
15:30 Cuba vs Italy
19:20 Japan vs Argentina
Japan plays four matches in each tournament, with Brazil and Italy serving as the headline opening opponents for the women’s and men’s teams respectively.
TICKETS
Tickets are sold separately for Japan matches and overseas matches.
Japan match tickets provide access only to the designated Japan match session. Overseas match tickets do not include Japan matches.
Ticket prices vary by match and seating category.
Typical Price Range
¥2,000–¥15,000+
Japan national team matches are expected to be the highest-demand sessions and may sell out in advance.
Tickets are available through Ticket Pia.
Official Ticket Website
https://t.pia.jp/
THE EXPERIENCE
For two weeks each summer, some of the world’s best volleyball players take the court in Osaka, bringing international competition and national team rivalries to Asue Arena.
- Watch Japan face volleyball powers including Brazil, Italy, Argentina, Türkiye, Poland, and the United States.
- Experience the atmosphere of a major international sporting event as thousands of fans gather to support their national teams.
- See multiple matches in a single day featuring different playing styles from across the world.
- Get closer to the speed, power, and athleticism of elite volleyball than television can convey.
- Enjoy one of the few opportunities each year to watch world-class international volleyball in Kansai.
Whether you’re a dedicated volleyball supporter or simply looking for a unique summer sporting experience, the Volleyball Nations League offers a rare chance to see the international game at its highest level without leaving Osaka.
INFO & TIPS
Arrive early for Japan matches, as security checks and entry lines can become busy before the evening sessions.
- Food and beverage concessions are available inside the arena, though options may vary by event day.
- Large bags may be subject to inspection at entry.
- Photography for personal use is generally permitted, but professional equipment, monopods, and tripods may be restricted.
- July in Osaka is hot and humid. If attending daytime matches, allow extra travel time and stay hydrated before arriving at the venue.
Japan matches are expected to draw the largest crowds of the tournament. Visitors primarily interested in watching international volleyball in a more relaxed setting may wish to consider overseas-match sessions, which often provide excellent value and opportunities to see multiple national teams compete.
