Russian, Belarusian Youth Volleyball to Compete Under National Flags in 2026

Junior volleyball teams from Russia and Belarus will return to international competition under their national flags starting January 1, 2026. The International Volleyball Federation (FIVB) announced the decision. It comes despite the organization's earlier statements of concern regarding the war in Ukraine. Since early 2022, athletes from both countries have been barred from most international sports events. They were allowed to compete only as neutral athletes, without national symbols. The FIVB says the decision applies only to players under the age of 19. It is part of a "step-by-step" process for reintegrating the nations' junior teams. The governing body did not announce any changes for senior-level national teams. They must continue to compete as neutrals for now.