As the 2025 FIVB Women`s World Championship approaches in Thailand, national teams have unveiled their initial 25-player rosters, indicating the potential return of key international stars such as Serbia`s Maja Ognjenović, USA`s Chiaka Ogbogu, and China`s Li Yingying.
While the Women`s Volleyball Nations League 2025 Finals are concluding in Łódź, Poland (July 23-27), excitement is already building for the 2025 FIVB Volleyball Women’s World Championship. With less than six weeks until the tournament, all 32 participating national teams have submitted their preliminary 25-player rosters. These extensive rosters serve as the foundation from which final teams, consisting of 12 to 14 athletes, will be selected just before the Preliminary Inquiry. All players on the final squad must have been part of the initial long-list. The prestigious 2025 Women’s World Championship is scheduled to take place in Thailand from August 22 to September 7.
While many prominent international players have already competed in the VNL 2025, several stars who were rested earlier in the season have now been named on these extended rosters, hinting at their anticipated return for the August tournament in Thailand.
Defending champions Serbia are poised to gain significantly from these returning talents. Veteran setter and team captain Maja Ognjenović, a key figure in their 2018 World Championship triumph, is on the preliminary roster. Additionally, middle blocker Mina Popović, part of their 2022 winning squad, is also listed as a potential selection for head coach Zoran Terzić.
The United States, silver medalists at the Paris Olympics, could see a substantial enhancement to their lineup. Tokyo Olympic gold medalist middle blocker Chiaka Ogbogu, along with impactful outside hitters Khalia Lanier and Alexandra Frantti, who did not participate in the VNL, are all included, making them eligible for selection by head coach Erik Sullivan.
China, aiming for a world title on Asian soil, may also welcome back a crucial player. Li Yingying, the team`s top scorer in recent seasons, has been named on the long list and is expected to rejoin veterans like opposite Gong Xiangyu and middle blocker Wang Yuanyuan.
Türkiye is set to benefit from the return of their influential captain, Eda Erdem, who was rested during the VNL. With the 38-year-old veteran, alongside middle blocker Zehra Güneş, opposite Melissa Vargas, and outside hitter Ebrar Karakurt, head coach Daniele Santarelli could reassemble the strong core that secured both the VNL and European Championship titles in 2023.
Bronze medalists from Paris, Brazil, largely maintain their VNL lineup for the World Championship, featuring key players such as outside hitters Gabriela `Gabi` Guimarães and Ana Cristina Souza, opposite Rosamaria Montibeller, and setter Macris Carneiro. They might also see the return of libero Nyeme Nunes, who missed the initial international season after childbirth; however, middle blocker Ana Carolina `Carol` da Silva is not on the list.
The Netherlands could elevate their performance at the World Championship with the reincorporation of seasoned veterans. Setter Britt Bongaerts, outside hitters Marrit Jasper and Jolien Knollema, and opposite Celeste Plak, all absent from VNL action, are candidates to rejoin the squad.
Olympic gold medalists Italy have kept their VNL squad largely consistent, and will bring a formidable team to Thailand. Their roster includes ten of the thirteen players who secured Italy`s historic first Olympic gold in Paris last year, notably opposite Paola Egonu, libero Monica De Gennaro, and team captain and middle blocker Anna Danesi.
Asian volleyball powerhouse Japan will be spearheaded by their new captain, star outside hitter Mayu Ishikawa. The team will also feature important contributions from libero Manami Kojima, opposite Yukiko Wada, and middle blocker Ayaka Araki.
Poland intends to present a seasoned team at the World Championships, with captain and middle blocker Agnieszka Korneluk, opposite Magdalena Stysiak, and outside hitter Martyna Łukasic expected to lead a strong tournament run.
Tournament hosts Thailand are keen to perform well for their home crowd. Their preliminary roster includes renowned setter Pornpun Guedpard, prolific opposite Pimpichaya Kokram, and versatile outside hitters Ajcharaporn Kongyot and Chatchu-On Mokrsi.
Additional prominent players expected to participate from other national teams include Sweden’s Isabelle Haak, Vietnam’s Thi Thanh Thuy, Germany’s Lina Alsmeier, France’s Héléna Cazaute, Dominican Republic’s Brayelin Martinez, Canada’s Kiera Van Ryk, Bulgaria’s Elitsa Atanasijević, and Belgium’s Britt Herbots.
Oliver Wrenwick 
Jasper Thornfield