A Night Ottawa Volleyball Fans Won't Forget
Ottawa was the stage for a stunning upset Thursday evening as Canada's men's volleyball team defeated Olympic champion France 3-1 (25-20, 25-18, 21-25, 27-25) in Volleyball Nations League action — the first time Canada has ever beaten France in the storied rivalry.
The match had the feel of a championship bout from the opening serve. Canada came out sharp and aggressive, taking the first two sets convincingly with scores of 25-20 and 25-18. France — the reigning Olympic gold medalists from Paris 2024 — pushed back hard in the third set, taking it 25-21 to stay in the match.
A Nail-Biting Fourth Set
The fourth set was the kind of volleyball that makes casual fans into lifelong converts. Both teams traded points deep into the frame, with the score knotting up repeatedly as neither side blinked. Canada ultimately closed it out 27-25, sealing not just the win but a piece of history.
For a program that has been steadily climbing the world rankings over the past several years, knocking off France — the team that stood atop the Olympic podium just months ago — is a massive confidence boost heading into the back half of the VNL schedule.
Ottawa as a Volleyball Hub
Hosting Volleyball Nations League matches has quietly made Ottawa one of the most exciting cities for the sport in Canada. The VNL format brings together the top nations in the world, and Ottawa fans have shown up in strong numbers to support the national team. There's something special about watching world-class volleyball in your own backyard, and Thursday's crowd was rewarded with one of the most memorable performances in Canadian men's volleyball history.
The city has long been a passionate sports town — Senators games at the CTC, RedBlacks at TD Place, and Ottawa 67s filling the Civic Centre — but evenings like this remind residents that volleyball has a real home here too.
What This Means for Canada
Victories over top-ranked teams in the VNL carry seeding and ranking implications that matter come World Championship and Olympic qualification cycles. France is consistently among the top two or three nations in the world, so this result signals that Canada belongs in that elite conversation.
The Canadian men's program has been building depth and chemistry over several seasons, and wins like Thursday's are the payoff. For young players on the roster, defeating the Olympic champions on home soil — in Ottawa, no less — is the kind of experience that defines careers.
If you missed Thursday's match, keep an eye on the VNL schedule for any remaining Ottawa dates. Watching Canada play at home is an experience worth making time for.
Source: CBC Ottawa
