Finnish men reach historic top-10 in FIVB world volleyball rankings
Finland's men's volleyball team has reached a historic tenth place in the FIVB world rankings after winning the European Championship bronze match.
Finland's men's volleyball team has climbed to a historic high of tenth in the FIVB world rankings. The climb was reported by Tamperelainen. It's a milestone.
The rise followed Finland's victory in Saturday's European Championship bronze match, which moved the team past Germany, Ukraine and Cuba on the FIVB's real-time list.
That result, together with earlier performances, helped lift Finland into the top 10. Those included the victory over Italy in Turin and strong home attendances at Nokia Arena that have raised the sport's profile in Tampere.
Among European nations, only Poland (1), Italy (2), Russia (3), France (7), Slovenia (8) and Bulgaria (9) now sit ahead of Finland.
The top-ten spot strengthens Finland's chances of claiming one of the final three Olympic berths allocated via the FIVB world ranking in summer 2028. Direct places are already reserved for the host, five continental champions and the top three teams from the 2027 World Championship that have not yet qualified.
Rankings can still shift before final selections. Finland has never previously played at an Olympic volleyball tournament.
Earlier coverage
Catch the full story over at Tamperelainen
