FIVB Nations League 2026: Volleyball spectacle back in Ljubljana

The world's strongest men's volleyball league is returning to Slovenia. Come and watch top volleyball players in action at Ljubljana's Stožice Arena.

Welcome to a country with a big sporting heart!

Thanks to its diverse geography, accessibility and well-developed infrastructure, Slovenia is a true paradise for various sports and recreational activities. It is home to many top-class, world-famous names from the world of sport. Slovenia also has a good track record in organising major international competitions, whether outdoors or in sports halls.

Packed indoor stadium showing an intense volleyball match. Players in action on court.

Volleyball is definitely one of the sports that has gained considerable popularity in Slovenia in recent years. This is partly due to the international success of Slovenian volleyball players, who finished 2024 in fourth place in the FIVB world rankings. On the other hand, Slovenia has also proven to be an excellent host of major competitions, such as the 2019 Men's European Volleyball Championship and the 2022 World Championship, which Slovenia organised in cooperation with Poland.

A volleyball player in a white and blue jersey with the number 4 passionately celebrates on the court, surrounded by teammates.

In 2024, the capital city of Ljubljana hosted the elite Volleyball Nations League for the first time, featuring the world's best national teams and serving as a qualifying tournament for the world championships and Olympic Games. The great atmosphere in the Stožice Arena and excellent organisation contributed to the International Volleyball Federation (FIVB) once again entrusting Slovenia with the organisation of the Nations League volleyball tournaments for the next three years until 2027.

A volleyball player in a blue and white uniform jumps high to serve the ball. Other players watch. — Source: VolleyballWorld

Volleyball's elite returns to Slovenia

The Volleyball Nations League is an elite international competition for both men and women, organised under the auspices of the International Volleyball Federation and featuring the 18 best national teams in the world. Teams compete in nine tournaments worldwide, each playing 12 matches in the preliminary round. The top eight teams then advance to the final tournament, where they play knockout games. In 2026, the final tournament will take place from 29 July to 2 August in Ningbo, China.

Volleyball Nations League logo alongside an 'I Feel Slovenia' logo.

Show all images

Source: VolleyballWorld

The Slovenian men's volleyball team has been part of this elite competition since 2018, finishing in fourth place three times in those years. The most successful year to date was 2024, when Slovenia finished fourth in the world according to the FIVB ranking. No Slovenian national team in team sports has ever ranked so high. That same year, Slovenia qualified for the Olympic tournament in Paris for the first time in history and finished in an impressive fifth place.

Tournaments such as the Volleyball Nations League continue to boost interest in volleyball, not only in Slovenia but around the world. The strong appeal of the Nations League is also reflected in Slovenia's 2025 statistics:

Number of TV viewers worldwide (men’s matches)

1.8 billion

Number of countries with TV broadcast

Approx. 3 million

Number of fans at the venue in Slovenia

Around. 24,000

Number of foreign reporters in Slovenia

Number of competitors

84/6 teams

Expected number of overnight stays during the 2025 tournament in Slovenia

more than 12,000

Thanks to its organisational successes to date, the Volleyball Federation of Slovenia is currently the only national federation to which the FIVB has granted a three-year contract to organise tournaments in the Olympic cycle leading up to Los Angeles 2028.

In 2026, Ljubljana will host one of the regularly scheduled Nations League tournaments between 24 and 28 June. The national teams of Italy, Bulgaria, Brazil, Canada, Ukraine and Slovenia will compete against each other in the Stožice Arena.

Visit the official site of the FIVB Volleyball National League 2026

Why are Slovenian volleyball players among the best in the world?

Slovenia is increasingly appreciated in volleyball circles for its achievements both competitively and organisationally. Take a look at some of the greatest successes of the Slovenian men's national volleyball team in recent years.

European championships

4x European champion runners-up (2015, 2019, 2021, 2023)

World championships

4th place (2022)

Olympic Games

5th place (Pariz 2024)

European League

1st place (2015)

World League

1st place, second quality class (2017) 1st place, third quality class (2016)

Nations League

4th place (2021, 2024, 2025)

Other achievements:

2nd place at the prestigious “Hubert Jerzy Wagner Memorial” tournament (2023, Krakow)

Useful information you need for your visit to Slovenia

If you intend to support these top volleyball players live, check out our top tips on how to get to Slovenia, where to find accommodation, where to eat and more.

Skip carousel

10 evergreen reasons to visit Slovenia in 2026

10 best reasons to visit Slovenia in 2026.

Getting to and around Slovenia

You can get to Slovenia in different ways – by car or train, by air, bicycle or boat.

Where to stay

From luxury hotels to tourist farms, from private rooms to camping grounds. An exclusive offer of glamping accommodation or staying at the vineyard cottages. In Slovenia, you will find accommodation to suit every budget and every taste.

Green instructions for visiting Slovenia

Everything you need to know for a green and responsible visit to Slovenia.

Practical information

Information for a relaxed and hassle-free stay on holiday.

Facts about Slovenia

Slovenia: a land of hospitable people and unforgettable experiences in the heart of Europe.

Regions

In its small corner of the world, Slovenia is the only European country lying at the crossroads of the Alps, the Mediterranean, the Karst and the Pannonian Plain.

Where to eat

Home-made or cosmopolitan: choose your ambience and menu in Slovenia.

Image was created using artificial intelligence

Stožice Arena: a venue for major competitions

The main indoor arena in Ljubljana, which can accommodate more than 12,000 spectators, is a venue for major events and competitions. It has hosted European championships in basketball, handball, futsal and volleyball, as well as numerous important international competitions in other sports. The Stožice Arena hosts not only athletes, but also music stars and other performances.

Stožice Arena: a venue for major competitions

Ljubljana, a lively capital city with a sporting soul

One of Europe's greenest capitals offers excellent opportunities for indoor and outdoor sports activities. Numerous halls and sports parks, recreational areas and proximity to nature are ideal for anyone who wants to release their energy or enjoy watching sports competitions.

Show all images

You are invited to take a stroll through picturesque streets, where you can admire Plečnik's architectural gems, which have found their way onto the UNESCO World Heritage List. A magnificent view of the city opens up from Ljubljana Castle. The lively social pulse of the city streets and squares can be complemented with gourmet delights in selected restaurants.

Discover Ljubljana

Slovenia is a country of world-class athletes

It would be difficult to find a country that has as many top athletes per capita as Slovenia. In fact, sport is deeply ingrained in our DNA, with two thirds of Slovenians participating in some form of sporting activity. Great emphasis is placed on an active lifestyle already at primary school level. The beautiful natural surroundings and well-developed sports infrastructure provide excellent conditions for top results. Feel our passion for sports. Feel our sporting heart.

Skip carousel

Slovenia is a country of world-class athletes

Experience the active Slovenia and get to know its sporting heart.

Reasons for Slovenian sporting success at the international level

We present some reasons why Slovenia is successful in the field of sports.

Sports Fans of Slovenia

Feel the cheering atmosphere in Slovenia.

Sports ambassadors of Slovenian tourism

World-famous Slovenian sports names carry Slovenia's name around the world. Meet the ambassadors of Slovenian tourism.

Skip carousel

Tadej Pogačar – cycling genius and his homeland Slovenia

Get to know the Slovenian grandmaster of great cycling races, Tadej Pogačar.

Luka Dončić, the Slovenian NBA star

Discover Slovenia, the homeland of the extraordinary basketball player Luka Dončić, and feel its sporting heart.

Primož Roglič – from ski jumping to cycling to Olympic gold

Discover the cycling routes of Slovenia, the homeland of Primož Roglič, a top cyclist who became the Olympic champion at the Tokyo Olympics.

Janja Garnbret – The queen of sport climbing

Meet the Slovenian female climber and ambassador of Slovenian tourism who pushes the boundaries of sport climbing.

Sporting Slovenia from A to Z

Discover the opportunities for active athletes that Slovenia has to offer – from sports training, competition organisation and sports conferences to rehabilitation for athletes after injuries. Loyal fans are also part of every successful sports story. Athletes inspire us to be active ourselves.

Visit Slovenia’s sports portal

Slovenia outdoors

For outdoor activities in all four seasons, Slovenia is the perfect choice. Here, your favourite ways to stay active can take you from towering mountains to the seashore, from river valleys to rolling vineyard hills. All across Slovenia, excellent outdoor activity centres await. No secret corner is ever too far to explore. Discover Europe's green playground and choose activities that promote your health and well-being.

Select language

Download Visit website View online

Slovenia is a land of active outdoor experiences

With its diversity and three different climate types, Slovenia has the perfect conditions for a variety of outdoor activities. Slovenians love nature. We usually put on our hiking boots, hop on our bikes, or strap on our skis in winter. Clear waters beckon us to enjoy water experiences, and even adrenaline buffs have many options for spending a great time in Slovenia.

Skip carousel

Hiking and Mountaineering

Slovenia is an Alpine paradise. More than 10,000 kilometres of marked hiking trails and 352 mighty peaks over 2,000 metres await you. Some are only accessible to Alpine climbers and mountaineers accompanied by professional mountain guides.

Cycling and biking

Explore Slovenia by bike. Riding amid the hills and plains, mountain peaks and forests, along the coast and the karst landscape and along the rivers and lakes of Slovenia is a lushly verdant fairy tale. Different trails are suitable for on-road and off-road biking.

Water activities

Treat yourself to a swim in some of the many thermal spas and swimming pools. In summer, take a dip in the sea, lakes or rivers. Slovenia is rich in natural water resources. Visit Lake Bled and Lake Bohinj or one of the many natural swimming areas located on the coast.

An explosion of adrenaline-filled fun

Are you up for spending a daring and exciting summer? Choose an adrenaline-filled adventure that is ideal for you and embark on an unforgettable adventure.

More on: An explosion of adrenaline-filled fun

On the trail of water and water sources

A walk by the water is particularly pleasant on hot days, revealing a vibrant life along streams, rivers and lakes. You can discover water sources and their characteristics, and the natural and cultural heritage linked with water on numerous trails throughout Slovenia.

More on: On the trail of water and water sources

The most beautiful hiking trails

Slovenia is criss-crossed with hiking trails. A trail for any taste can be found. Some of them will give you a really enjoyable experience in pristine nature.

More on: The most beautiful hiking trails

A rush of adrenaline in Slovenia’s rivers

Experience refreshing and daring fun on the wild waters of Slovenian rivers.

More on: A rush of adrenaline in Slovenia’s rivers

Visit other events in Slovenia

Summer is packed with events, so you won’t be bored even when you're not at volleyball matches.

Skip carousel Events

10Jun

Same day, same conditions, no excuses. Are you up to the challenge? MyTour is your ticket to an exclusive experience of a real stage of the Tour of Slovenia,...

My Tour of Slovenia

Cerklje na Gorenjskem 99,00

01Apr-11Oct

Among the treetops of the Celje City Forest stands the Treehouse as a quiet observer of the changing seasons. The forest path leading to it takes visitors...

Treehouse Celje invites you for a visit!

Celje 0,00

10May

This race is unique. Everyone starts at the same time around the world, running together against the Catcher Car.

Wings For Life World Run

Ljubljana 40

29Apr

On the International Dance Day, April 29, Ljubljana will turn into an open dance scene. More than 100 performers from the fields of contemporary dance,...

Dance for all! - Dance festival in public space

Ljubljana Brezplačno

04Dec-06Dec

Cross-country skiing event.

I FEEL SLOVENIA FESA COC

Rateče Planica Free of charge

17Jun-21Jun

The Tour of Slovenia is the largest stage cycling event in Slovenia, held annually in June across various regions of the country. The race is part of...

Tour of Slovenia Cycling race

Slovenija

23May-24May

The Local Music Event offers a pleasant atmosphere with the sounds of folk music.

The Local Music Event

Maribor od 13 EUR

10May

Visit a traditional event at Lake Bled that gathers together accordionists of all ages.

Accordions at Lake Bled

Bled Free of charge

05May-15May

21st I Feel Slovenia Thermana Laško Open is one of the largest tournaments in the world in para table tennis.

21. I FEEL SLOVENIA Open Thermana Laško

Laško 0,00

Show all events

Seize the opportunity. Explore Slovenia.

Surrender to the lively summer flow of events, visit top-class restaurants, treat yourself to some pampering; simply enjoy – in towns or nature in unique green Slovenia.

Skip carousel

Summer festivals in Slovenia – something for everyone!

Let go of your worries and enjoy the incredible festival atmosphere all around Slovenia!

Active holidays

Discover the world of active outdoor adventures in Slovenia.

Spas and health resorts

Rest, relax and enjoy the soothing power of thermal waters and wellness treatments.

Food and wine

Love is experienced through the stomach.

Top spa pampering packages for women

Invite your girlfriends and enjoy some relaxing spa time.

Top experiences of Slovenian historical towns

Experiences that will make your stay in Slovenian towns worthwhile.

Discover nature

Feel the beneficial effects of the green natural environment in Slovenia.

Green story of Slovenia

Plan your holidays in green.

Slovenia Unique Experiences

Enter the world of original adventures.

Stories from Slovenia

Sign up for our monthly newsletter to receive a green piece of Slovenia in your inbox, and learn about holidays, seasonal offers, upcoming events and travel options.

Share with friends

Scroll down until you see the heart icon on the left.

Click on the icon and the content will be added to favourites.

When you revisit the page (in the same browser), the content will still be saved in your favourites.

Back Next

FIVB Nations League 2026: Volleyball spectacle back in Ljubljana

Welcome to a country with a big sporting heart!

Volleyball's elite returns to Slovenia

Why are Slovenian volleyball players among the best in the world?

Useful information you need for your visit to Slovenia

Looking for more information on Slovenia? Ask Alma!

Ljubljana, a lively capital city with a sporting soul

Slovenia is a country of world-class athletes

Sports ambassadors of Slovenian tourism

Sporting Slovenia from A to Z

Slovenia outdoors

Slovenia is a land of active outdoor experiences

Hiking and Mountaineering

Cycling and biking

Water activities

An explosion of adrenaline-filled fun

On the trail of water and water sources

The most beautiful hiking trails

A rush of adrenaline in Slovenia’s rivers

Visit other events in Slovenia

Seize the opportunity. Explore Slovenia.

Stories from Slovenia

The form contains errors

Share with friends

Essential cookies

Functional cookies

Statistical cookies

Segmentation cookies

Advertising cookies

FIVB Nations League 2026: Volleyball spectacle back in Ljubljana

Welcome to a country with a big sporting heart!

Volleyball's elite returns to Slovenia

Why are Slovenian volleyball players among the best in the world?

Useful information you need for your visit to Slovenia

Looking for more information on Slovenia? Ask Alma!

Ljubljana, a lively capital city with a sporting soul

Slovenia is a country of world-class athletes

Sports ambassadors of Slovenian tourism

Sporting Slovenia from A to Z

Slovenia outdoors

Slovenia is a land of active outdoor experiences

Hiking and Mountaineering

Cycling and biking

Water activities

An explosion of adrenaline-filled fun

On the trail of water and water sources

The most beautiful hiking trails

A rush of adrenaline in Slovenia’s rivers

Visit other events in Slovenia

Seize the opportunity. Explore Slovenia.

Stories from Slovenia

The form contains errors

Share with friends

Privacy settings

Essential cookies

Functional cookies

Statistical cookies

Segmentation cookies

Advertising cookies