The FIVB Men`s U21 Volleyball World Championship has long served as a crucial platform for the emergence of future stars, providing national programs with an opportunity to showcase the next generation of talent. Many of the sport`s greatest names, from Olympic champions to current national team leaders, have progressed through this very level on their journey to international renown.
In 2025, this esteemed tradition continues as Jiangmen, China, prepares to host the latest edition of the biennial tournament from August 21 to 31. The event will welcome 24 teams from across the globe, including: Argentina, Brazil, Bulgaria, Canada, China, Colombia, Cuba, Czechia, Egypt, France, Indonesia, Iran, Italy, Japan, Kazakhstan, Korea, Morocco, Poland, Puerto Rico, Thailand, Tunisia, Türkiye, Ukraine, and the United States.
With the official team rosters now confirmed, the spotlight turns to the promising young players who are eager to make a significant impact before ascending to the elite professional level.
FIVB Men`s U21 Volleyball World Championship: Team Rosters
(Please note: Rosters are subject to final eligibility verification by the FIVB.)
Defending champions Iran arrive in Jiangmen with another formidable squad, characterized by impressive height, power, and extensive international youth experience. Key players stepping up from the team that secured the runner-up position at the 2023 U19 World Championship include 2.09-meter middle blocker Taha Behboudnia, setter Emran Kook Jili, opposite Abolfazl Mahdian, and libero Seyed Morteza Tabatabaei, who was recognized as the tournament`s Best Libero. All are anticipated to play pivotal roles in Iran`s quest to defend their title.
Silver medalists from 2023, Italy, return with a roster built on continuity and leveraging recent successes at the youth level. Several athletes from the team that reached the semifinals of the 2023 U19 World Championship are part of this year`s lineup, notably 2.10-meter opposite Tommaso Barotto, and potent outside hitters Lorenzo Magliano and Alessandro Bristot. Middle blocker Gioele Adeola Taiwo further enhances the team with his significant size and athleticism, contributing to a squad renowned for its depth and technical precision.
Another returning medalist, Bulgaria, is set to feature one of the most accomplished young players in the tournament: outside hitter Aleksandar Nikolov. As a starter on the senior national team, Nikolov previously led Bulgaria to a bronze medal at the last edition in Bahrain and has been included on the U21 roster for the second consecutive time, highlighting his consistent talent.
Brazil, Poland, and Korea are among the former world champions participating in this year`s event, each possessing a rich tradition of success at the age-group level. Brazil boasts an impressive four titles, Poland three, and Korea one. These three nations continue to significantly influence the landscape of junior volleyball through their robust domestic development programs and competitive player pools.
France arrives with considerable momentum, having secured a dominant victory at the 2023 FIVB Boys` U19 World Championship. That title-winning squad now forms the core of their U21 team, showcasing several `Dream Team` honorees: MVP and outside hitter Mathis Henno, best setter Amir Tizi-Oualou, best opposite Thomas Pujol, and best middle blocker Joris Seddik. With their proven talent and established team chemistry on the world stage, the French team is expected to be one of the most closely watched contenders in Jiangmen.
This year also marks a historic first as China hosts the Men`s U21 World Championship, with all matches slated to take place at the state-of-the-art Jiangmen Sports Centre. The tournament represents a significant stride in China`s ongoing efforts to bolster its men`s volleyball program and cultivate a new generation of homegrown talent ready for the global stage.
Oliver Wrenwick 
Finley Blackwood