The 21st edition of the FIVB Men`s Volleyball World Championship is poised to kick off on September 12, 2025, in the vibrant cities of Pasay and Quezon City, Philippines. This flagship global volleyball competition will host 32 national teams, with a formidable contingent of 15 European nations all vying for the coveted world title. The intense tournament action is scheduled to culminate on September 28.
European Teams Ready to Dominate
Among the strong European lineup are the sport`s perennial giants: Poland, the reigning European champions; Italy, the current world champions; and France, the reigning Olympic champions. Slovenia, who secured a bronze medal at the CEV EuroVolley 2023 Men, also enters the competition as a serious contender, alongside 11 other European sides determined to leave their mark on the global stage.
The championship will commence with 32 teams divided into eight pools of four for the preliminary round. Only the top two teams from each pool will earn their passage to the subsequent knockout stages, setting the stage for high-stakes matches from the outset.
Poland`s Challenging Path in Pool C
European champions Poland have been drawn into Pool C, where they face two other European rivals, the Netherlands and Romania, in addition to Asian representative Qatar. Romania`s participation marks their return to the championship for the first time since 1982. The Netherlands, having finished seventh in their last appearance in 2022 and narrowly losing a 3:2 quarter-final battle to Italy in the CEV EuroVolley 2023 Men, will be keen to advance further this time around.
Photo credit: Volleyball World
Italy Seeks a Historic Double Championship
Following their women`s team`s impressive undefeated run to a gold medal at the 2025 FIVB Women’s Volleyball World Championship last week, reigning men`s world champions Italy are aiming for an extraordinary double. Placed in Pool F, Italy will compete against European opponents Ukraine and Belgium, and African side Algeria. Ukraine, who reached the quarter-finals of the CEV EuroVolley 2023 Men, is making only its third World Championship appearance, while Belgium`s best historical finish was eighth place in 1970.
France`s Quest for World Championship Glory
Olympic champions France, despite their consistent top-tier performances, have a modest history at the World Championship, with their sole medal being a bronze in 2002. They enter Pool C as strong favorites, alongside Finland (winners of the 2025 CEV Men`s European Volleyball Golden League), Argentina, and the Republic of Korea, all aspiring to progress deep into the competition.
Key European Matchups and Pools
- Pool D: Portugal faces a significant challenge against strong opponents USA, Cuba, and Colombia.
- Pool E: An exciting battle for qualification is expected with three European teams – Slovenia, Germany, and Bulgaria – vying for spots alongside Chile. Slovenia, renowned for its recent consistency, is participating for only the third time, having debuted in 2018 and secured a commendable fourth place in 2022.
- Pool G: Türkiye will contend with formidable teams from Japan, Canada, and Libya.
- Pool H: Czechia and Serbia are set for a monumental task as they face title contenders Brazil and the People’s Republic of China.
Photo credit: Volleyball World
Tournament Schedule and Europe`s Legacy
European nations boast a storied history of success in the FIVB Men`s Volleyball World Championship, having claimed six of the last nine titles. Italy stands as the second most decorated team in history with four titles (1990, 1994, 1998, and 2022), trailing only the Soviet Union. Poland has also contributed significantly with two recent championships in 2014 and 2018.
The tournament progression is scheduled as follows:
- Preliminary Round: September 12 – 18
- Round of 16: September 20 – 23
- Quarter-finals: September 24 – 25
- Semi-finals: September 27
- Bronze Medal Match & Grand Final: September 28
As the world`s elite volleyball teams gather in the Philippines, anticipation is high for a thrilling showcase of athleticism and strategic prowess. European teams, armed with a rich heritage of success and a roster of current champions, are widely expected to be at the forefront of the battle for the gold medal, promising an unforgettable championship.
Finley Blackwood