The Iran volleyball team recently landed in Belgrade to initiate a vital six-day training camp. This strategic preparation block intensifies their readiness for the highly competitive second week of the 2026 Volleyball Nations League. Following an incredibly long and exhausting journey from Tehran, the squad reached the Serbian capital late Tuesday evening. Consequently, head coach Roberto Piazza granted his players a complete day of rest on Wednesday. The athletes will resume strenuous work on Thursday by focusing heavily on strength and conditioning sessions.
This European camp plays a crucial role in helping the squad recover from severe travel fatigue. Furthermore, the intense training sessions will sharply hone their physical form before official tournament play resumes. Meanwhile, four additional players departed from Tehran early Wednesday morning to join their teammates in Serbia. Ali Ramezani, Shayan Mehrabi, Mohsen Delavari, and Matin Hosseini traveled through Istanbul to reach the capital city. Their timely arrival completes the balanced roster that features an effective mix of veterans and emerging talents.
The second week of this global tournament will take place from June 24 to June 28. Organizers will host the upcoming matches across France, Poland, and Slovenia to accommodate the international pools. The Iran volleyball team will compete directly in the French pool against several elite global programs. Specifically, Team Melli will challenge the host nation France on June 24 in a demanding opener. They will quickly meet the United States squad just one day later for another intense match.
The Iranian players will face a highly anticipated match against Japan on June 26. Finally, the roster will conclude this demanding week against a powerful Cuba lineup on June 28. Coach Piazza selected a versatile group including talented setters Arshia Behnejad and the arriving Ali Ramezani. Powerful opposite hitters Ali Hajipour, Pouya Ariakhah, and Mohsen Delavari will provide essential offensive depth. Additionally, outside hitters Morteza Sharifi, Porya Hossein Khanzadeh, Mobin Nasri, Ali Haghparast, and Matin Hosseini solidify the rotation.
Middle blockers Mohammad Valizadeh, Yousef Kazemi, Issa Naseri, and Shayan Mehrabi will control the net. Reliable liberos Mohammadreza Hazratpour and Hossein Hajikalateh will manage the back row throughout the tournament. Ultimately, these four upcoming matches represent a vital opportunity for the roster to climb the international standings. The Belgrade camp offers the perfect environment to build chemistry and improve overall tactical cohesion. Therefore, the Iran volleyball team looks to demonstrate significant development under the expert leadership of Roberto Piazza.