The Quest for the Second Crown

Are you ready for the thunder? The Turkish women's national volleyball team, known affectionately as Filenin Sultanları (Sultans of the Net), are stepping back onto the world stage with one singular, burning ambition. They want it all again. After lifting the trophy in 2023, the squad is locked in on securing their second-ever FIVB Women's Volleyball Nations League title in the 2026 edition. This isn't just participation; this is a declaration of war on the rest of the volleyball world.

The road to glory is long and brutal. The regular season spans three intense legs. First, the team flies to Brazil for the opening chapter from June 3-8. Then, the home crowd roars as the action shifts to the capital, Ankara, for the second leg from June 17-21. The final regular-season push takes them to Japan from July 8-12. The stakes? The top eight teams advance to the Finals in China, held from July 22-26. Only the strong survive.

Let’s talk history. Turkey isn't new to this arena. They stood atop the world in 2023, defeating China 3-1 in the Arlington final. They’ve tasted silver in 2018, bronze in 2021, and the heartbreak of fourth place in 2019 and 2022. But last year’s quarterfinal exit to Japan stung. That pain? It’s fuel now. Only three nations have ever won this title: the USA and Italy with three each, and Turkey with one. They want to be the new kings of the mountain.

Ankara Erupts

Get your tickets ready because Ankara Spor Salonu is about to become a cauldron of noise and passion. During the second leg, Turkey hosts a field of giants: Germany, China, France, Brazil, and Belgium. The schedule is a gauntlet. Turkey faces Belgium on June 17, France on June 18, Germany on June 20, and the formidable Chinese team on June 21. Every match is a battle for pride and positioning.

The Army of 30

Head coach Daniele Santarelli has assembled a monstrous 30-player pool for the entire campaign. This is a roster stacked with power. Setters like Cansu Özbay and Elif Şahin orchestrate the attack. Spikers including Ebrar Karakurt and Yaprak Erkek deliver the blows. Opposites led by the devastating Melissa Vargas and Aylin Uysalcan strike from the back. The middle block is a wall of talent with Yasemin Güveli and Zehra Güneş. Liberos Eylül Akarçeşme Yatgın and Gizem Örge guard the floor. For the first leg in Brazil, the final squad is already set, ready to clash with the Dominican Republic, Netherlands, Italy, and Bulgaria. The Sultans are back, and they mean business.