Bulgaria's men's national volleyball team strengthened its bid for a place in the Volleyball Nations League Finals after defeating host nation the United States 3-1 (27:25, 22:25, 26:24, 25:18) in Chicago. Playing before more than 5,000 fans at NAU Arena, Gianlorenzo Blenghini's squad delivered one of its most valuable victories of the tournament during its third match of the final week of the preliminary phase.
The success lifted the "Lions" into sixth place in the provisional standings with seven victories, four defeats, and 20 points, leaving them in a strong position to qualify for the Finals in Ningbo, China. Bulgaria's final test of the preliminary round comes against reigning Olympic champion France, with the match scheduled for midnight Bulgarian time between July 19 and July 20.
A victory over "Les Bleus" would leave Bulgaria in a much stronger position to secure a Finals berth. Even if the team falls short against France, qualification remains possible. For that scenario to play out, either Turkey or Ukraine, both competing in the Belgrade tournament, must lose their final match. Turkey faces Iran at 2:00 p.m. Bulgarian time, while Ukraine takes on Germany at 5:30 p.m.
Despite the defeat, the United States remains comfortably in the top four of the Nations League standings with eight wins, three losses, and 25 points, having already secured its place in Ningbo. The Americans will wrap up the preliminary stage with another high-profile matchup against Poland, with that contest set to begin at 4:00 a.m. Bulgarian time.
