(Sports Correspondent: Imran Sohail)
Canada Upset Olympic Champions France in Thrilling VNL Clash in Ottawa
Canada produced one of the standout results of the Volleyball Nations League (VNL) 2026 by defeating reigning Olympic champions France 3-1 in a dramatic match in Ottawa.
Backed by a passionate home crowd, Canada secured a 25-20, 25-18, 21-25, 27-25 victory to claim their first win of the tournament after an earlier defeat to Germany.
The result marked a strong response from the Canadian side and handed France their first loss of the VNL season following an opening win against Italy.
Key Moment in the Fourth Set
The fourth set proved decisive, with both teams trading points in a tense finish. Canada reached match point at 24-23, but France saved it twice through key attacking plays.
However, Canada held firm under pressure, with strong performances from Xander Ketrzynski and Stephen Maar sealing the victory and sparking celebrations in front of the home fans.
Standout Performers
Ketrzynski led Canada’s scoring with 20 points, including three blocks, while Maar and Eric Loeppky also contributed significantly in attack and defense.
Canada’s blocking unit played a crucial role, recording 15 successful blocks compared to France’s seven.
For France, Stephen Boyer top-scored with 19 points, while Mathis Henno added 16, including two service aces.
Impact on Standings
The win boosted Canada’s position in the VNL standings, lifting them to fifth place with one win and one loss. France dropped slightly in the rankings after the defeat but remain among the top contenders in the competition.
Canada’s performance was widely praised as a strong team effort, especially after their earlier setback in the opening match.
