Canada falls 3-2 to top-ranked Japan at Volleyball Nations League

OSAKA — Canada pushed undefeated Japan to five sets before falling to the host team Thursday in men’s Volleyball Nations League play.

Japan completed a reverse sweep, winning 3-2 with set scores of 18-25, 24-26, 29-27, 25-19 and 15-11.

Canada’s Jackson Young had a game-high 21 points.

Japan, which leads the preliminary phase with 24 points, led in attack points 74-66 and aces 4-2, while Canada out-blocked Japan 16-5.

Canada, sitting 16th out of 18 teams, has recorded only one win and lost seven matches in tiebreak situations so far in the tournament.

Canada faces Cuba on Saturday and finishes Week 3 against Belgium, with both teams also struggling in the lower rankings.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published July 16, 2026.

The Canadian Press