Historically, the FIVB Volleyball Women’s U21 World Championship has been a crucial stepping stone and a launchpad for many of the sport’s most celebrated figures. From legends like Mireya Luis in the 1980s to contemporary superstars such as Zhu Ting, Paola Egonu, and Tijana Boskovic, along with greats including Ekaterina Gamova, Jaqueline Carvalho, Gabriela Guimaraes, and Brayelin Martinez, many honed their skills and gained recognition at this tournament before reaching the pinnacle of the sport.
This year, the focus shifts to Surabaya, Indonesia’s second-largest city, where the 2025 edition of the U21 World Championship will be held from July 17 to 28. This event will spotlight the next wave of emerging talent as 24 teams compete for the title. With team rosters now finalized (subject to FIVB eligibility checks), promising players from every continent are ready to make their mark. The participating nations include Algeria, Argentina, Brazil, Bulgaria, Canada, Chile, China, Croatia, Czechia, Dominican Republic, Egypt, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Korea, Mexico, Poland, Puerto Rico, Serbia, Thailand, Tunisia, Türkiye, United States, and Vietnam.
The top three teams from the 2023 championship—gold medallists China, silver medallists Italy, and bronze medallists Brazil—are returning with formidable lineups, each aiming to claim the championship crown in Surabaya.
Defending champions China arrive with a fresh group of players who impressed at the recent AVC Women’s U20 Volleyball Championship. Libero Sun Wanjun, middle blocker Chen Houyu, and outside hitter Li Chenxuan were all named to the Dream Team at that event. Opposite Fan Boning adds significant height and attacking power. Having secured the title in Mexico in 2023, China is focused on defending its U21 world title with this new squad building upon that legacy.
Italy features the return of outside hitter Teresa Maria Bosso and middle blocker Linda Manfredini, both recognized on the Dream Team at the 2024 U20 European Championship. They are supported by reliable defensive specialist and libero Anna Bardaro, forming a strong core as Italy seeks to improve upon their runner-up position from two years ago.
Brazil fields an experienced and physically imposing team. Setter Amanda Mutuano and middle blocker Luana Kuskowski earned Dream Team accolades at the 2024 South American U21 Championship. Key contributors include outside hitter Helena Wenk and scorer Rebeca Borges, making for a powerful foundation as Brazil aims to return to the top podium spot.
Several other strong contenders complete the field. Türkiye brings one of the most decorated rosters, including multiple standouts from their victorious 2024 U20 European Championship campaign. Senior national team setter Dilay Ozdemir, who was named MVP and Best Setter at that tournament, returns. She is joined by outside hitters Bianka Ilayda Mumcular and Liza Safronova, both recognized as Best Outside Hitters. Opposite Beren Yesilirmak adds valuable scoring and experience, as the team looks to translate its continental success to the world stage.
The United States presents a youthful and dynamic squad, featuring several players with prior international competition experience. Key athletes include setter Genevieve Harris, outside hitters Audrey Flanagan and Halle Thompson, and opposite Henley Anderson. This group aims to continue the strong tradition of US youth volleyball in another competitive tournament.
Japan’s team includes outside hitter Miku Akimoto, the top scorer at the 2023 U19 World Championship, and Anna Uemura, MVP of the 2022 Asian U20 Championship. Setter Niina Kumagai, a Dream Team selection at the most recent Asian U20 event, also joins this deep and well-balanced roster.
Africa and Southeast Asia will also be well represented. Tunisia’s Eya Toumi, the MVP of the 2024 African U20 Championship, leads a confident African contingent that includes Egypt and Algeria. Opposite Alida Bennour, named Best Opposite in that tournament, will be a key attacker for Algeria, while Egypt fields a young team featuring domestic talent eager to make an impression. Vietnam will look to powerful opposite Pham Quynh Huong for scoring leadership, while hosts Indonesia will rely on libero Zahwa Aliah Jasmien to provide defensive stability in front of their home crowd.
Other notable teams to watch include Argentina, Dominican Republic, Serbia, and Thailand, many of whose rosters include players with significant international youth honours and experience competing at the top club level.
Finley Blackwood