Egypt is set to return to the FIVB Volleyball Women’s World Championship this August, marking their first appearance in almost two decades, specifically since 2006. They will compete in Pool A, facing hosts Thailand, the Netherlands, and Sweden, with all group stage matches scheduled for Huamark Indoor Stadium in Bangkok.
This 2025 championship will be Egypt`s fourth time participating in the Women`s World Championship. Their most successful campaign was their debut in 1990, where they finished 16th. Despite consistently performing as a top team in Africa, securing three continental titles and a gold medal at the 2023 African Games, their global appearances have been infrequent. This qualification signifies their return to elite international play, showcasing the significant efforts made recently to bolster the national squad.
A crucial element in Egypt`s resurgence has been the FIVB Volleyball Empowerment program. In 2022, the Egyptian women`s national team was granted $84,000 to fund a dedicated 12-month coaching support initiative. This ongoing program has been instrumental in enhancing team structures, refining technical skills, and developing more effective long-term strategies for international tournaments.
Furthermore, as part of their comprehensive development strategy, Egypt participated in the 2023 FIVB Women’s U21 World Championship. This provided invaluable global exposure for their younger players, many of whom are now integrating into the senior national team. This emerging generation forms a strong core, built not just to contend in Thailand, but to evolve and strengthen in the years ahead.
The Women’s World Championship is scheduled from August 22 to September 7, hosted across four Thai cities: Bangkok, Nakhon Ratchasima, Chiang Mai, and Phuket. This marks a historic first with 32 participating teams. Egypt`s schedule includes an opening match against Thailand on August 22, followed by encounters with the Netherlands on August 24 and Sweden on August 26. The top two teams from each group will progress to the Round of 16.
Attaining this level of competition has been a significant challenge. Over the nearly two decades since their previous World Championship appearance, Egypt struggled to secure qualification spots and lacked consistent exposure to elite international volleyball. While their performance in African tournaments remained robust, regularly competing against highly-ranked global teams proved difficult. However, with an expanding talent pool of young athletes and more stable technical guidance, Egypt is now equipped for sustained advancement.
For Egypt, qualification itself is a monumental accomplishment, underscoring years of dedicated preparation and persistent efforts to bolster their national team. Their re-entry into the championship offers an invaluable opportunity to contend at the pinnacle of the sport and continue forging a brighter future on the global stage.
Oliver Wrenwick 
Finley Blackwood