The Giani Shuffle: France’s 2026 Roster Overhaul
Andrea Giani has restructured the French men's volleyball team for the 2026 VNL, retaining only four players from the Paris Olympic gold medalists. The new twenty-player roster prioritizes a youthful core, including the Henno brothers and Stephen Boyer, to build team identity over star power.
The French men’s volleyball squad for the 2026 Volleyball Nations League is a twenty-player list that retains only four members from the Paris Olympic gold medalists. Captain Antoine Brizard, Trevor Clevenot, Theo Faure, and Timothee Carle are the sole survivors of that historic group. This drastic reduction signals a clear break from the previous cycle, as head coach Andrea Giani prioritizes a youthful core over established veterans. The roster now includes brothers Hilir and Mathis Henno, who earned their spots after strong seasons in Poland. Antoine Pothron also joined the lineup following his campaign with PGE GiEK Skra Belchatow. Veteran opposite Stephen Boyer returns to the team after missing the Paris Olympics squad entirely.
Departures and the New Core
Former captain Benjamin Toniutti has retired from international volleyball, removing a central figure from the locker room. Veterans Earvin Ngapeth and Jenia Grebennikov are absent from this summer’s squad, marking a significant shift in experience levels. I find it striking that only five seasoned "veterans" remain to balance the nine new players integrated into the group since 2023. Giani describes this balancing act as essential for building team identity over star power. The preparation focuses on playing as a unit with a specific style, rather than relying on individual creativity. This approach requires discipline both on and off the court, which is vital when debutants join experienced players. The absence of key figures like Ngapeth creates space for younger athletes to step up immediately.
| Position | Players in 2026 Squad |
|---|---|
| Outside Hitters | Timothee Carle, Trevor Clevenot, Hilir Henno, Mathis Henno, Antoine Pothron, Thomas Pujol |
| Middle Blockers | Mousse Gueye, Francois Huetz, Daniel Iyegbekedo, Joris Seddik, Simon Magnin, Haukea Mare |
| Opposite | Stephen Boyer |
| Setter | Antoine Brizard |
The inclusion of Joris Seddik is notable given his injury history, though he was previously recovering during the World Championship preparations. The middle block features six players, providing depth for Giani’s tactical variations. This structure allows for flexible substitutions during high-pressure matches. The team must manage fear and pressure effectively, especially when facing opponents who view them as favorites. Giani emphasizes that practice is the key to overcoming these mental hurdles. Each player must focus on the next ball and use teammates for support. This mindset prevents complacency, a common trap for teams with recent accolades.
Tactical Shifts and Future Outlook
In recent friendlies, Giani tested different starting lineups to assess readiness for the main phase. During a match against Belgium, he replaced Brizard at setter with Amir Thizi-Oualou, which shifted the initiative back to France. That change helped secure a 3:2 victory, demonstrating the value of rotational flexibility. The team currently sits in 12th place in the provisional standings, needing maximum points to qualify for the Final Eight in Ningbo. Their upcoming schedule includes matches against Brazil, China, Poland, and Bulgaria. The final match against Bulgaria could prove decisive for securing a spot among the top eight. Giani remains focused on the present moment, rejecting any reliance on past medals. He believes success is built point by point through relentless preparation. The question of whether this young core can sustain performance under tournament pressure remains unanswered.
