Canada Relegated After Straight-Set Loss to Cuba
Canada have been relegated from the VNL after a 3–0 defeat to Cuba left them with one victory from 11 matches.
Canada have been relegated from the Volleyball Nations League following a 3–0 defeat to Cuba in Osaka.
The Canadians lost 25–22, 25–21, 29–27 and dropped to a 1–10 record in the 2026 preliminary phase. With only one match remaining against Belgium, they can no longer move out of the relegation position.
Canada’s only victory of the campaign came against France. However, their record does not fully reflect how close many of their matches were, with seven of their ten defeats decided in five sets.
The result represents a major change from the team’s 2024 campaign, when Canada reached the VNL quarterfinals.
Head coach Dan Lewis praised his players for their commitment during a difficult tournament. Canada will now complete their VNL schedule against Belgium before leaving the competition for next season.
Cuba’s victory secured their own survival in the VNL.
