Australia qualifies for 2026 Asian Senior Championships – Volleyball Australia

Australia qualifies for 2026 Asian Senior Championships

Volleyball Australia has confirmed the Australian Men’s and Women’s Volleyroos have qualified for the 2026 Asian Senior Championships, following the Oceania Zonal Continental Qualification Tournament held in Canberra from 18–22 December 2025.

With the event occurring outside the normal international window, many of Australia’s first-choice Volleyroos were unavailable due to overseas professional commitments. Volleyball Australia assembled two competitive squads from the best available athletes and delivered the required results to secure qualification.

Volleyball Australia CEO Andrew Dee said: “Congratulations to both the men’s and women’s national teams that have qualified in their own right to the 2026 Asian Championships. Well coached, well played, a wonderful way to finish the year.”

On the men’s side, the campaign was built around a mix of Mahindra Australian Volleyball Super League talent, emerging Volleyroos 2032 athletes, and experienced former Volleyroos returning to the national environment. Under Head Coach Dan Ilott, the group improved match-by-match and produced a strong performance in the final to complete an undefeated tournament.

The women contested a three-match series against Samoa, with the squad largely drawn from Australian athletes returning home from US college programs for the Christmas period, complemented by emerging Volleyroos 2032 athletes. With limited preparation time, the group came together quickly and delivered a dominant series performance under Head Coach Russell Borgeaud to secure Australia’s qualification.

Volleyball Australia also acknowledges the support of the FIVB Empowerment program, which contributed to staff resourcing and helped strengthen delivery across the tournament campaign.

Volleyball Australia also thanks the referees and the events team, who assembled at short notice and delivered a high-quality, professional event presentation throughout the week.

Results Summary

Women (Series vs Samoa)

• Match 1: Australia def Samoa 3–0 (25–1, 25–1, 25–1)
• Match 2: Australia def Samoa 3–0 (25–8, 25–9, 25–7)
• Match 3: Australia def Samoa 3–0 (25–14, 25–6, 25–18)

Series result: Australia won 3–0.

Men (Round Robin + Final)

Round Robin (Pool D)

• Match 1: Australia def Samoa 3–0 (25–22, 25–17, 25–16)
• Match 3: Australia def New Zealand 3–0 (25–19, 25–16, 25–23)

Final

• Match 4: Australia def New Zealand 3–0 (25–18, 25–22, 25–23)

Outcome: Australia qualified for the 2026 Asian Senior Championships in both Men’s and Women’s competitions.