Baltic States to Skip Nations Trophy Over Russia
Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia are withdrawing from the IHF Nations Trophy in Bulgaria after Russia and Belarus were admitted to the tournament.
Updated on Nov. 10, 2026 in Volleyball
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The IHF Nations Trophy will be held in Kranevo, Bulgaria, from November 25 to 29, marking Russia's first official international competition after a five-year absence. Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia withdrew during the initial selection process after learning Russia and Belarus had been admitted.
Why it matters
Several national federations, including those of Norway, Denmark, Sweden, Finland, Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia, opposed the IHF decision to allow Russia's return. The withdrawals highlight continuing division over Russia's readmission to international sport.
The tournament features six national teams divided into two groups, with Group A comprising Belgium, Kosovo and Russia and Group B comprising Bulgaria, Armenia and Belarus. Russia's national team ranking was wiped out due to its five-year absence, and it is unclear whether the Baltic federations will pursue any further protest beyond their withdrawal.
The players
International Handball Federation (IHF)
The IHF is the international governing body for handball that organizes the Nations Trophy and approved Russia and Belarus's admission to the tournament.
The details
Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia withdrew during the initial selection process rather than publicly announcing a boycott, choosing a quieter approach. The winner of the European competition held at the end of November will qualify for the IHF Inter-Continental Trophy.
Timeline
November 25 to 29, 2026: IHF Nations Trophy held in Kranevo, Bulgaria
End of November 2026: European competition takes place in Kranevo
Season Trajectory
The IHF's readmission of Russia and Belarus is the central decision shaping this tournament, and the Baltic withdrawals show how that choice is reshaping international team lineups. Russia's return after five years of absence restores its place in the competitive landscape that qualification for the IHF Inter-Continental Trophy depends on.
Russia's return to the Nations Trophy changes the Group A matchup, placing it alongside Belgium and Kosovo in Kranevo. Fantasy and betting followers should note that the Baltic absences remove three teams from the field, reducing the number of matches available in this tournament.
The takeaway
The Baltic withdrawals show that readmission decisions in international sport can reshape tournament fields well before a single match is played. Readers following the event should watch how the November 25 to 29 results affect the European qualification picture.
What happens next
The European competition held at the end of November in Kranevo will determine which team qualifies for the IHF Inter-Continental Trophy.
Further reading
Explore more Volleyball coverage for context on international team competition.
Source note: This article includes information reported by BGNES: Breaking News, Latest News and Videos.
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