The Red Dragons are heading into a particularly important summer in 2026. With a first participation in the Volleyball Nations League, followed by the European Championship, Belgium’s men’s national team is facing a period filled with top matches, international challenges and important milestones for the future. With the announcement of the long list, preparations for the Red Dragons have now officially begun as well.

For Belgian fans, the summer will already begin on home soil. During the fan days in Beveren, the Red Dragons will face France on May 27. It will be a first opportunity to see the team up close before the real international campaign gets underway.

The Volleyball Nations League will undoubtedly be the first major highlight of the summer. After eight years of waiting, Belgium will finally have the chance again to test itself, on the men’s side, against top nations from around the world. For the Red Dragons, it is not only a sporting challenge, but also an important step in the continued growth of the team ahead of the next international campaigns.

The Belgian men will play their VNL campaign in Brasilia, Gliwice and Osaka. In Brasilia, from June 10 to June 14, Belgium will open against Bulgaria, Brazil, Serbia and Iran. That will be followed by a week in Gliwice, Poland, from June 24 to June 28, with matches against Poland, China, Germany and Türkiye. The third and final week will be played in Osaka, from July 15 to July 19, where Cuba, Italy, Japan and Canada await as opponents.

After the VNL, the focus will shift to the European Championship, which will be played from September 10 to September 26. Belgium will compete in Pool C in Finland, alongside Denmark, Estonia, host nation Finland, Serbia and the Netherlands. The tournament will then move to Italy.

Head coach Emanuele Zanini is looking ahead with ambition. “There is a great deal of enthusiasm around the summer of 2026. For the Red Dragons, the Volleyball Nations League, after eight years away, will be an important moment, just like the European Championship. We know that we will face opposition of the very highest level in both competitions, but at the same time we are convinced that we will give our maximum in every match, with full commitment and engagement. Efficiency and precision will be crucial in order to reach again the level of play that brought us to seventh place at the 2025 World Championship. In this group, experienced players and young boys taking their first steps at international level must be constantly supported by the staff and the federation. Our short term goals always fit within a bigger picture, with LA28 as the clear target on the horizon. Great ambition and strong motivation will remain our guidelines, today and in the future.”

The summer of 2026 therefore promises to be a key moment for the Red Dragons, with opportunities to show themselves, to grow and to keep taking steps forward at the highest international level.

Setters

Stijn D'Hulst
Matthias Valkiers
Seppe Van Hoyweghen
Andre Stoliar
Robbe Ponseele
Liam McCluskey
Antony Moga
Hugo Absil
Tijl Van Looveren

Opposites

Ferre Reggers
Basil Dermaux
Warre Vandecruys
Eliot De Vleeschhauwer
Guilhem Hubert
Akos Paridaens

Middle Blockers

Pieter Coolman
Wout D'Heer
Samuel Fafchamps
Mauro Lips
Lennert Van Elsen
Lasse Van Genechten
Martijn Colson
Joppe Rauwoens
Tuur Vanbroekhoven
Thibo Verbuyst
Jasper Verhamme
Joppe Wolters
Simon Luka Vlahovic
Milan Dalli Cardillo

Outside Hitters

Sam Deroo
Seppe Rotty
Pierre Perin
Simon Plaskie
Seppe Baetens
Michiel Fransen
Martin Lallemand
Gertjan Vande Velde
Tijmen Bus
Niels Coppieters
Jannes Strobbe
Berre Van Looveren
Yarno De Leeuw
Gilles Vandecaveye

Libero's

Gorik Lantsoght
Kobe Verwimp
Mathis Verwimp
Martin Lechien
Nathan Perin
Dennis Deroey