Portugal`s men`s national volleyball team is embarking on an exciting new phase, marking its return to major international tournaments. Following a strong performance in the European Golden League this summer, which saw the emergence of a talented new generation, the squad is now gearing up for the 2025 World Championship in the Philippines and the CEV EuroVolley 2026. The team aims to further solidify its growing global standing.
This marks Portugal`s third World Championship appearance and their first in 23 years, having secured direct qualification based on their FIVB World Ranking. The championship is scheduled for September 12-28 in Manila, the Philippines, with team preparations commencing on July 28 in Viana do Castelo.
Under the guidance of Head Coach João José, Portugal is placed in World Championship Pool D. They will compete against Cuba on September 13, the USA on September 15, and Colombia on September 17. Their objective is to secure a top-two finish in the group to progress to the knockout rounds of the expanded 32-team format.
The CEV European Golden League 2025, though not culminating in a Final Four spot, proved vital for integrating promising young players into the national team. Emerging talents such as José Pedro Pinto, Nuno Marques, Bruno Dias, and André Pereira showcased remarkable development and composure, validating the team`s strategic focus on nurturing its rising stars.
Portugal`s consistent strong performance is further underscored by their direct qualification for CEV EuroVolley 2026 – their eighth overall and fourth consecutive appearance. This achievement stems from their 10th-place finish in the 2023 edition. The 2026 EuroVolley will be jointly hosted by Italy, Bulgaria, Finland, and Romania.
Bolstered by the experience gained from the World Championship and the promising influx of young talent from the Golden League, the Portuguese squad looks forward to a bright future in international volleyball.
Team Roster and Coaching Staff
Coaching Staff
- Head Coach: João José
- Assistant Coach: Manuel Silva
- Assistant Coach: Ricardo Lemos
- Physiotherapist: Hélder Vasco
Players listed by club of affiliation
- AA Espinho: Rafael Pinto
- Castêlo da Maia GC: Guilherme Menezes
- Leixões SC: André Pereira, Rafael Santos
- SC Espinho: José Pedro Andrade
- SL Benfica: Tiago Violas, Ivo Casas
- Sporting CP: Gonçalo Sousa, Kelton Tavares
- Vitória SC: Manuel Figueiredo
- CV San Roque Batán (Spain): José Pinto
- Nice Volley-Ball (France): Bruno Dias
- St. Nazaire VB Atlantique (France): Lourenço Martins
- Helios Grizzlys Giesen (Germany): Miguel Sinfrónio
- Tokyo Great Bears (Japan): Alexandre Ferreira
- Nova Technology Lycurgus BV (Netherlands): Nuno Marques
- Aluron CMC Warta Zawiercie (Poland): Miguel Tavares Rodrigues
- SC Municipal Zalau (Romania): Filip Cveticanin
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Jasper Thornfield 
Finley Blackwood