Team Melli will face Italy on May 21 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

The Iranian team will also play Argentina, Serbia, and Cuba in Week 1.

The men’s title will be contested by Argentina, Brazil, Bulgaria, Canada, Cuba, France, Germany, Iran, Italy, Japan, the Netherlands, defending champions Poland, Serbia, Slovenia, Turkey and the US.

The VNL 2024 will also play a major role in determining the last national teams that will qualify for the Paris Olympics.

The result of each match of the tournament’s Preliminary Phase will impact the FIVB Volleyball World Rankings, which will determine the teams to occupy the last five spots in next year’s Games.

As of now, Brazil, Canada, Germany, Japan, Poland, and the US are guaranteed on the men’s side.

AMK/TSN