Ukraine vs Japan Prediction & Betting Tips - Nations League
World - Nations League
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by Devesh Jaganath | in Nations League Predictions
One of the most intriguing matches in Week 1 of the 2026 Volleyball Nations League sees Ukraine taking on Japan on Wednesday. Ryujin Nippon reached the quarter-finals last year, and our prediction is that they will make a winning start in this one.
Ukraine were one of the major storylines in this competition last year, having exceeded expectations in the debut season by finishing in 10th place under Raul Lozano.
Two of their most notable victories in that competition came against this very opponent and the USA. Notably, star player Oleh Plotnytskyi is set to return to the national team for this tournament.
Ukraine lost their last competitive match 3-0 to Italy in the third round of the World Championships. They have only won three of their last 10 games in all competitions.
Meanwhile, Japan got to the quarter-final of last year’s VNL before running into eventual champions Poland, who they lost to 3-0. They were runner-up in the 2024 edition of the tournament.
Ryujin Nippon won their final round-three World Championship matchup 3-0 against Libya. However, they were beaten in their two previous games by Turkey and Canada 3-0 each.
The team’s star trio of Yuki Ishikawa, Ran Takahashi and Yuji Nishida are all expected to feature in this one. Japan are 5-5 in their last 10 matches in all competitions.
Limited Offer. Currently at Stake
Ukraine v Japan Best Betting Odds
| Bookmaker | 1 | 2 | Bonus up to |
|---|---|---|---|
|
9.3 | 1.06 |
|
|
9.3 | 1.06 |
|
|
6.2 | 1.09 |
|
|
6.6 | 1.1 |
|
|
6.2 | 1.08 |
|
Ukraine vs Japan Form
Ukraine and Japan Last Matches
1/6 (17%)
5/6 (83%)
18 Sept 2025 - Volleyball World Championship
16 Sept 2025 - Volleyball World Championship
14 Sept 2025 - Volleyball World Championship
20 Jul 2025 - Nations League
18 Jul 2025 - Nations League
17 Jul 2025 - Nations League
2/6 (33%)
4/6 (67%)
16 Sept 2025 - Volleyball World Championship
14 Sept 2025 - Volleyball World Championship
20 Jul 2025 - Nations League
18 Jul 2025 - Nations League
17 Jul 2025 - Nations League
16 Jul 2025 - Nations League
3/6 (50%)
3/6 (50%)
18 Sept 2025 - Volleyball World Championship
29 Jun 2025 - Nations League
26 Jun 2025 - Nations League
4 Oct 2023 - Olympic Games, Qual., Intercontinental Gr. B
3 Oct 2023 - Olympic Games, Qual., Intercontinental Gr. B
1 Oct 2023 - Olympic Games, Qual., Intercontinental Gr. B
2/6 (33%)
4/6 (67%)
17 Sept 2025 - Volleyball World Championship
15 Sept 2025 - Volleyball World Championship
13 Sept 2025 - Volleyball World Championship
31 Jul 2025 - Nations League
20 Jul 2025 - Nations League
18 Jul 2025 - Nations League
2/6 (33%)
4/6 (67%)
17 Sept 2025 - Volleyball World Championship
15 Sept 2025 - Volleyball World Championship
13 Sept 2025 - Volleyball World Championship
31 Jul 2025 - Nations League
13 Jun 2025 - Nations League
2 Aug 2024 - Men's Olympic Tournament
4/6 (67%)
2/6 (33%)
20 Jul 2025 - Nations League
18 Jul 2025 - Nations League
17 Jul 2025 - Nations League
16 Jul 2025 - Nations League
29 Jun 2025 - Nations League
27 Jun 2025 - Nations League
Ukraine vs Japan Stats: Head to Head (H2H)
100 %
0 %
27 Jun 2025 - Nations League
Ukraine - Japan Key Points
- Japan are ranked seven places above Ukraine.
- Japan reached the quarter-finals of this competition last year.
- Japan have won five of their last nine matches.
- Ukraine have lost seven of their last 10 matches.
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Our Ukraine vs Japan Prediction
Ukraine were one of the surprise packages of last year’s Nations League, but their form in the lead-up to this tournament has been underwhelming, with just two wins in their last six matches in all competitions.
Laurent Tillie seems to be taking no chances despite it being early in the competition. Japan are expected to be at full strength and will be out for revenge in this match. We feel they will come out on top in this one. Our Ukraine vs Japan prediction is Japan -2.5.
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All tips are fully researched and given in good faith, but profits cannot be guaranteed.
