Ukraine’s Men’s Volleyball National Team Has Announced Its Roster for the 2026 Nations League Season
The Ukrainian men’s volleyball squad has unveiled an expanded 30-player roster for the 2026 Nations League. The season kicks off on June 10 with a match against Japan. According to the latest schedule, during the first week in China, the team will play four games: facing Japan, the host nation, Cuba, and Poland. To advance to the playoffs, Ukraine must finish the preliminary round among the top eight teams.
The extended lineup includes key players who missed a recent friendly tournament in Poland. For each match, the squad will be trimmed to 14 players. The club Epitsentr-Podolyany contributes the largest contingent—11 athletes—while Lviv-based Barkom-Kazhany sends five players.
Key Players and Their Accomplishments
Oleh Plotnytskyi has extended his contract with Italy’s Perugia through 2028, as confirmed by reports. Plotnytskyi has been with Perugia since 2019, securing 15 trophies during his tenure, including two Champions League titles, six Italian Super Cups, three Club World Championships, and two Italian League and Cup wins.
The national team roster features the following players:
- Setters: Yurii Synytsia (Hebei, China), Serhii Yevstratov (Lvi, Czech Republic), Dmytro Dolhopolov (Naftokhimik, Bulgaria), Vitalii Shchytkov (Epitsentr-Podolyany).
- Opposites: Dmytro Shapoval (Arcada, Romania), Vasyl Tupchii (Barkom-Kazhany), Danylo Uryvkin (Epitsentr-Podolyany), Maksym Tonkonoh (Fano, Italy), Yevhenii Boiko (Reshetylivka), Oleksandr Boiko (Tonno Callipo, Italy).
- Outside Hitters: Oleh Plotnytskyi (Perugia, Italy), Illia Kovalov (Barkom-Kazhany), Dmytro Yanchuk (Panathinaikos, Greece), Tymofii Poluian (Milon, Greece), Oleksandr Nalozhnyi, Mykyta Luban (Epitsentr-Podolyany), Yevhenii Kysiliuk (Rapid, Romania), Eduard Shteryk (Epitsentr-Podolyany / Ukraine U-20).
- Middle Blockers: Mykola Kuts, Vladyslav Shchurov (Barkom-Kazhany), Yurii Semeniuk (Project Warsaw, Poland), Valerii Todua (Benfica, Portugal), Maksym Drozd, Oleksandr Koval (Epitsentr-Podolyany), Ruslan Chervatiuk, Denys Veletskyi, Andrii Cheleniak (Epitsentr-Podolyany / Ukraine U-20).
- Liberos: Oleksandr Boiko (Epitsentr-Podolyany), Yaroslav Pampushko (Barkom-Kazhany), Mykola Dzhul (Epitsentr-Podolyany / Ukraine U-20).
Ukraine’s national team is gearing up for a fresh challenge in the Nations League, aiming for a strong showing in the upcoming matches.
As Ukraine prepares for the Nations League, it’s worth noting that a successful run in this tournament could significantly boost the team’s international ranking. With key players returning to the fold, the squad has a chance to showcase its potential. The experience of athletes like Oleh Plotnytskyi will likely be crucial in helping the team achieve its goals in the competition.
As the Ukrainian men’s volleyball team prepares for the Nations League, it's essential to reflect on their recent performance. The squad's dynamic roster, which includes athletes who previously missed key matches, showcases their depth and talent. To gain further insights into the team's preparations and strategies, check out how the national team has recently announced its lineup for upcoming friendlies against Poland and Denmark, highlighting the players to watch.