Tech
Jun 17, 20261
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Brazil women's volleyball face Belgium in VNL; Zé Roberto returns from suspension
Brazil's women's volleyball team, undefeated in five VNL matches, face Belgium on Thursday in Ankara with head coach José Roberto Guimarães returning from a suspension. Captain Gabi remains out due to rest and a lumbar issue.

Quick Facts
Who
Brazil women's volleyball team
What
Brazil faces Belgium in VNL match
When
Thursday, June 18
Where
Ankara, Turkey
- Brazil faces Belgium in VNL match
- Zé Roberto returns from suspension
- Gabi remains sidelined with lower back issue
- Brazil defeated France 3-0 on Wednesday
- Brazil beat Netherlands, Dominican Republic, Bulgaria, and Italy in first VNL leg
The undefeated Brazilian women's volleyball team returns to action on Thursday against Belgium in the Volleyball Nations League (VNL). With five wins so far, head coach José Roberto Guimarães, known as Zé Roberto, will be back on the bench after serving a one-match suspension for making a gesture toward the Bulgarian coach.
Brazil is coming off a 3-0 victory over France on Wednesday, which was played without Zé Roberto due to his suspension. The punishment stems from an incident during the first leg of the VNL in Brasília.
The team's captain, outside hitter Gabi (Gabriela Guimarães), has yet to debut this season and will remain sidelined for the match against Belgium. She is being rested following a heavy season with Conegliano and due to lower back discomfort resulting from an injury suffered in March. Gabi remains on the roster for the Turkey leg.
After taking on Belgium, Brazil is scheduled to face China on Saturday and Germany on Sunday, all as part of the Ankara leg. In the first week of the competition, held in Brasília, Brazil defeated the Netherlands and the Dominican Republic 3–1, swept Bulgaria 3–0, and edged Italy 3–2.
The match against Belgium will take place on Thursday, June 18, at 10:00 a.m. Brasília time in Ankara, Turkey. It will be broadcast live on sportv2 with pre-game coverage starting at 9:40 a.m., and real-time updates available on ge.globo.
Why This Matters
Brazil's undefeated streak and Zé Roberto's return add high stakes to a key VNL match against Belgium; for fans and analysts, this match tests Brazil's depth without captain Gabi and sets the tone for upcoming clashes with China and Germany.
Timeline & Sources
Jun 15, 2026
WireFirst VNL leg in Brasília; Brazil defeats Netherlands 3-1
Jun 16, 2026
WireBrazil beats Dominican Republic 3-1
Jun 17, 2026
WireBulgaria match; Zé Roberto makes gesture leading to suspension
Jun 17, 2026
WireBrazil defeats France 3-0 without Zé Roberto
Jun 18, 2026
WireBrazil beats Italy 3-2
Jun 18, 2026
WireBrazil vs Belgium match in Ankara; Zé Roberto returns
Jun 20, 2026
WireBrazil scheduled to face China
Jun 21, 2026
WireBrazil scheduled to face Germany