The Yellow Tigers will play their first matches of the 2025 Volleyball Nations League next week. In the opening week, they will face top teams such as China, Thailand, France and Poland in Beijing.

Head coach Kris Vansnick looks ahead to the opponents:
"We open the Volleyball Nations League against China, the number five in the world rankings. They are beginning a new Olympic cycle with five players who earned an impressive fifth place in Paris last year. At the same time, they are giving opportunities to a talented U21 generation, who became world champions last summer. As is traditionally the case with China, we can expect very physical players and a high-paced game. This opening match, along with the final one against Poland, are on paper our toughest opponents."

"Thailand is in full preparation for the World Championship on home soil and has brought back their former coach. He is the architect of their characteristic fast combination volleyball – a style they share with Japan and which is unique on the international stage. That playing style poses a challenge for any team, but with our experienced middle blocker line, we’ve already shown in the past that we can handle them well."

"France has started a new chapter. After the departure of Belgian coach Emile Rousseaux, they enter the VNL with a new staff and a renewed squad. Several key players, such as Gicquel and Cazaute, are not taking part in this campaign. It’s a team against whom we see opportunities. A win over France would be an important step towards staying in this edition of the Nations League."

"Poland fields almost the same team as at the Olympic Games last summer. Only setter Joanna Wolosz has retired from the national team. The rest of the squad remains intact, with key players such as Stysiak (Fenerbahçe), Lukasik (Conegliano) and Korneluk (new at Fenerbahçe). A particularly strong and experienced opponent."

The selection of head coach Kris Vansnick is nearly identical to the one from the training camp in Spain earlier this month. Unfortunately, Charlotte Krenicky is out with a wrist injury. Eline Van Elsen replaces her in the squad of 14 players.

📺 All matches live on: tv.volleyballworld.com

Setters
Lara Nagels
Elise Van Sas

Opposites
Pauline Martin
Liese Verhelst

Outside hitters
Nel Demeyer
Britt Herbots
Tea Radovic
Eline Van Elsen

Middle blockers
Britt Fransen
Anna Koulberg
Nathalie Lemmens
Silke Van Avermaet

Liberos
Noor Debouck
Britt Rampelberg

Schedule:

China vs Belgium | 04/06 – 13:30
Belgium vs Thailand | 05/06 – 10:00
France vs Belgium | 06/06 – 10:00
Belgium vs Poland | 08/06 – 06:30