After a seven-year hiatus, the Belgian men`s volleyball team is preparing for a grand return to the global stage, participating in the FIVB Men`s World Championship, scheduled from September 12 to 28 in Manila, Philippines.
Equipped with a new generation of talented players and a visionary coach, the Belgians are heading to Manila with a clear objective: to gain experience at the highest level and outline a clear path to the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles. Historically, Belgium has appeared at the Olympics only once, in Mexico City in 1968, where they replaced Romania and finished eighth out of ten.
Ranked 17th in the world, Belgium secured their spot at the World Championship as the fifth highest-ranked team not yet qualified. For head coach Emanuele Zanini, the Italian specialist guiding their evolution, this tournament is not the ultimate destination but rather a launchpad.
This journey includes a long-awaited debut in the 2026 Volleyball Nations League (VNL), for which they qualified through global rankings as the highest-ranked team not previously qualified, based on the results of the current season. This is a significant step, underscoring their recent ascent.
For Zanini, a bronze medalist at the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games as Italy`s assistant coach, leading Belgium to qualify for the LA28 Olympics would be the perfect culmination of his tenure, which began in 2022. He came close in 2023 when Belgium finished fourth in Pool C of the FIVB Road to Paris Volleyball Qualifier, behind Poland, Canada, and Argentina. At that time, the top two teams from each of the three pools advanced to the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.
Earlier in 2023, under Zanini`s leadership, Belgium reached the Round of 16 at the European Championship, where they were eliminated by eventual champions Poland with a 3-1 score. Nevertheless, the Belgians leveraged this momentum to claim silver at the 2024 FIVB Challenger Cup, losing 3-1 to hosts China in the final.
Belgium`s ascent is no accident. Since 2019, the team has received financial support totaling $189,000 from the FIVB Empowerment Programme. The results are evident: a return to the World Championship, VNL promotion, and the emergence of a generation of athletes ready to conquer global heights.
Pool F and Upcoming Matches
The “Red Dragons,” as the Belgian team is affectionately known, have been drawn into Pool F of the World Championship alongside World No. 2 Italy, Ukraine, and Algeria. They will open their campaign on September 14 with a match against Ukraine, currently ranked three places above them. On September 16, they will face the defending champions, Italy, and conclude their pool play against Algeria on September 18. All Pool F matches will take place at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City.
Given that Italy is one of the tournament favorites and Ukraine is an emerging force, the Belgians will need grit and discipline to qualify for the elimination round. The top two teams from each of the eight pools will advance to the Round of 16.
Team Roster: Experience and Young Talent
Belgium`s roster is an ideal blend of seasoned veterans and rising stars. Leading the team is captain Sam Deroo, an experienced outside hitter with invaluable international experience. His calm and composed approach will be harmoniously complemented by the explosive energy of his cross-court partner, Seppe Rotty.
The 22-year-old opposite, Ferre Reggers, has previously demonstrated maturity and efficiency beyond his age, becoming the top scorer at the 2023 FIVB Road to Paris Volleyball Qualifier and the 2024 FIVB Challenger Cup. He will undoubtedly aim to repeat similar success at this major international competition.
In 203cm Wout D`Heer, Belgium possesses a formidable force at the net, who, alongside 36-year-old veteran Pieter Coolman, will be a key element of their block defense. It remains to be seen whether Zanini will deploy Pierre Perin as an outside hitter or libero to stabilize reception and floor defense.
The creative potential of experienced setter Stijn D`Hulst and his young understudy, Seppe Van Hoyweghen, will be crucial if Belgium aims to stage a few upsets in Manila.
While results in Manila are important, Belgium remains focused on the long-term vision. Gaining experience in high-pressure, top-tier matches is crucial for preparing the team for next year`s VNL season and the European Championship, both of which will serve as key stages on the path to qualifying for the Olympic Games in Los Angeles.
Oliver Wrenwick 
Finley Blackwood