The USA, Canada, and Qatar are set to make history by welcoming the prestigious Volleyball World Championships to their territories for the very first time.
The FIVB and Volleyball World have announced significant hosting decisions for future World Championships. The Women`s 2027 edition will be jointly hosted by the USA and Canada, while Qatar has been awarded the Men`s 2029 competition.
These selections, approved by the FIVB Board of Administration during its meeting held alongside the Men`s World Championship in the Philippines 2025, followed a rigorous bidding process, demonstrating widespread international interest in staging volleyball`s premier event.
With Poland already confirmed for the Men`s World Championship 2027, the USA and Canada will complete that year`s roster of hosts. This marks a historic first for a Volleyball World Championship in North America, promising a memorable sporting celebration leading up to the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games.
The Women`s World Championship 2027 finals will take place at Honda Center and OCVIBE in Anaheim, California. Four additional cities across the USA and Canada are yet to be confirmed for the pool phase and Round of 16, reflecting volleyball`s growing popularity at all levels in both nations.
In 2029, the Men`s World Championship will break new ground by heading to the Middle East for the first time, with Qatar as the host. Known for its expertise in organizing major international sports events, Qatar 2029 aims to provide unique experiences and establish a powerful, enduring legacy for volleyball throughout the region. Matches will be held in Doha, Qatar`s capital, a globally connected hub.
Statements from Leadership
FIVB President Fabio Azevedo expressed his enthusiasm: “We are thrilled to confirm three exceptional hosts – the USA, Canada, and Qatar – for upcoming Volleyball World Championships. With the USA and Canada co-hosting the women’s event in 2027 and Qatar staging the men’s in 2029, we are confident these tournaments will be unforgettable for athletes, fans, and all stakeholders of the Global Volleyball Movement. Expanding the World Championships to new territories is vital for growing our sport and promoting its core values of collaboration, integration, peace, and solidarity worldwide.”
“We highly value our partnerships with these host nations, knowing that USA and Canada 2027 and Qatar 2029 are fully committed to our motto `Together as One` and aligned with the FIVB Strategic Vision 2032. This means they are not just organizing world-class competitions, but also creating events that will leave a lasting legacy, empower communities, and inspire widespread participation.”
Volleyball World CEO Ugo Valensi added: “The high caliber of our chosen hosts underscores volleyball`s global momentum. Bringing the World Championships to North America and the Middle East – two of our most dynamic growth markets – will connect us with new audiences and deliver exceptional experiences across various platforms, including arenas, broadcast, OTT, and digital. This opens doors to fresh partnerships, investment, and fan engagement, while fostering innovation and long-term value for the sport.”
The FIVB Men’s and Women’s Volleyball World Championships stand as the pinnacle of international volleyball competitions. Each tournament features 32 of the world’s top teams, competing in 64 matches over 17 days. Since 2023, the event has adopted a biennial schedule, with the first tournaments under this new format held this year in Thailand (women’s) and the Philippines (men’s).
Oliver Wrenwick