The “Women’s Volleyball Nations League (VNL) – Finals Macao 2026 presented by Galaxy Entertainment Group” will begin today at the Macao East Asian Games Dome in Cotai, with organisers and coaches praising the city’s preparations and anticipating a week of world-class volleyball featuring the tournament’s eight elite teams.
Speaking at a press conference at Galaxy International Convention Centre yesterday, Volleyball World Chief Product Officer Marcelo Hargreaves da Costa said that Macau would be the focus of the global volleyball community during the finals, while congratulating both the Netherlands and Canada teams for reaching the VNL Finals for the first time.
Meanwhile, Sports Bureau (ID) Acting President See Lei Si Leng said that the knockout-format tournament would feature high-level competition while helping promote Macau as a “City of Sports”, adding that a volleyball-themed carnival and cultural activities would be held alongside the tournament to integrate sports and tourism.
Galaxy Entertainment Group (GEG) Corporate Affairs Director Buddy Lam Chi Seng said that GEG was honoured to support the tournament, noting that the integrated resort operator has backed world-class women’s volleyball events in Macau for 16 years.
“The Women’s Volleyball Nations League is one of the most anticipated events on the global volleyball calendar, and the Finals are the ultimate stage for the world’s elite teams,” Lam said, adding that community activities, including a volleyball clinic with members of the China Women’s National Volleyball Team, autograph sessions and an interactive volleyball experience zone, have been organised to bring fans closer to the sport.
Moreover, Volleyball Association of Macao Secretary General Alice Fong Sok Van said that hosting the Finals provides not only top-level competition for spectators but also valuable learning opportunities for local referees, coaches and players.
Coaches confident ahead of quarter-finals
The eight teams comprise Brazil, Canada, Italy, Japan, the Netherlands, Turkey, and the US, along with host nation China.
The participating teams also expressed confidence ahead of the opening matches.
China head coach Zhao Yong said that his team were looking forward to competing in the Finals against the US. “We will do our best to prepare for the match. I hope we can have a great match and show our current ability”, Zhao said, adding that the squad’s physical condition was normal ahead of the tournament and expressed confidence that China would be ready for the challenge posed by the Americans.
Brazil head coach José Roberto Guimarães said it was “a big honour” to return to Macau and praised the organisation of the Finals. “We are here to improve, to learn with the best teams in the world”, he said, adding that his side will face Japan in a rematch of one of the most “anticipated” quarter-finals.
Japan head coach Ferhat Akbaş acknowledged the challenge of facing Brazil again. “Brazil is a great opponent to teach us a lot”, he said, noting that his team would remain united and aim to deliver a strong performance for fans in Macau.
Canada head coach Giovanni Guidetti said that his team was proud to have reached their first VNL Finals. “It is our first VNL Finals, so we are very excited to be here”, he said, while Italy head coach Julio Velasco said that all matches in the Finals would be difficult, but was quick to add that his squad had arrived with all players available after rotating its lineup during earlier stages of the competition.
Dutch head coach Felix Kozlowski described their qualification as a significant achievement for his team. “We had a tough road to qualify to come here to Macau”, he said, adding that facing Italy would be a major test but also an important learning opportunity.
Turkey head coach Daniele Santarelli praised the tournament organisation and predicted a highly competitive Finals. “I think it will be a really perfect show for volleyball”, he said.
Meanwhile, US head coach Erik Sullivan said that his team had enjoyed a positive experience in Macau before and was eager to continue improving. “We’re very excited to play a very good match against China”, Sullivan noted.
Eight head coaches and their representative players, along with the event organisers, pose for a group photo during yesterday’s “Women’s Volleyball Nations League (VNL) – Finals Macao 2026 presented by Galaxy Entertainment Group” press conference at Galaxy International Convention Centre in Cotai. – Photo: Khalel Vallo
