The board of the FIVB (International Volleyball Federation) has released its ambitious international volleyball calendar for 2025-2028. The revolutionary decision, in particular, provides for the holding of the World Volleyball Championship every two years.
The change is reportedly part of the FIVB's initiative to redefine the international volleyball experience. The new schedule must balance the demands of spectators, athletes and stakeholders, aiming for a more rational and interesting program.
The World Championship will expand significantly. 32 national teams of each gender will now participate in the tournament. Men's and women's competitions will be held according to the improved formula. The teams will be divided into eight groups, where they will play in a round-robin system. The best two from each group will advance to the play-off stage.
The qualifying stage has also been updated. In addition to the host country and the reigning world champion, the three best national teams from each continental championship will advance to the main draw. Additional spots will be filled based on the FIVB world rankings at the end of the national team season before the World Championship.
In case of approval by the International Olympic Committee, these changes will also affect the qualification process for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games. After all, tickets for these competitions will now be available to: the host country, the winners of the continental championships, the three best teams of the 2027 World Championship and the three best national teams in the world ranking.
