VNL 2025 preview: New era of excellence kicks off

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VNL 2025 preview: New era of excellence kicks off
Fecha de publicación: 
13 January 2025
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The 2025 Volleyball Nations League arrives with exciting innovations: an expanded format, 18 teams per gender, and a globe-spanning match schedule. Starting in June, this global celebration of volleyball promises unmissable action.

For the first time since its inception in 2018, the competition will feature 18 teams per gender, bringing the thrill of volleyball to more countries and fans than ever before. This expanded format broadens the tournament’s reach, promising an unforgettable experience for both players and spectators. Running from 4 June to 3 August, the VNL 2025 will combine the talent of 36 national teams with a renewed focus on organisational excellence. According to officials, the aim is to solidify the event as a global benchmark in volleyball, enhancing its appeal and igniting volleyball fever worldwide.

The most notable change for the 2025 edition is the increase in teams, from 16 to 18 per gender. This was achieved without relegating any participants from 2024, by adding the Challenger Cup champion and the highest-ranked team in the FIVB World Rankings. The preliminary phase has also been restructured. Each week will feature three groups of six teams, competing across three different venues. Over three weeks of competition, every team will play 12 matches, totalling 216 matches before the final rounds. Additionally, players will benefit from an extra week of rest, ensuring a balance between performance and recovery.

With these updates, the VNL 2025 will deliver a total of 232 matches, including quarter-finals, semi-finals, and medal matches, with the women’s finals scheduled for 27 July and the men’s on 3 August. The women’s VNL kicks off on 4 June with matches in Rio de Janeiro (Brazil), Beijing (China), and Ottawa (Canada). It will then move to Hong Kong, Istanbul, and Belgrade before concluding the preliminary phase in Japan, the Netherlands, and the United States.

The men’s competition begins on 11 June in Xi’an (China), Quebec (Canada), and Rio de Janeiro, continuing to Burgas (Bulgaria), Belgrade, and Chicago, and closing in Japan, Poland, and Slovenia. These diverse locations reflect volleyball’s global appeal, bringing the action to fans worldwide and strengthening connections between national teams and their supporters. The expanded format introduces teams such as Czechia in the women’s VNL and Ukraine in the men’s. Meanwhile, Belgium and China make their return after standout performances in the world rankings and the Challenger Cup.

Naturally, the traditional favourites will also be in action. Italy, reigning Olympic champions and title defenders in the women’s category, will launch their campaign in Rio de Janeiro with a rematch of the Olympic final against the United States. In the men’s category, France will aim to extend their dominance as consecutive Olympic champions.

In this cutting-edge approach, VNL 2025 aims not only to deliver a sporting spectacle but also to strengthen its cultural and economic impact. The FIVB hopes this edition will inspire more people to take up volleyball and reinforce the host cities’ commitment to the sport’s growth. The tournament also offers players a chance to shine on the global stage, especially in the lead-up to the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics. Volleyball stars will strive to make their mark as thousands of fans follow every point, set, and match with passion.

VNL 2025 is shaping up to be the most thrilling edition yet. With an inclusive format, enhanced competition structure, and a talent-packed roster of teams, the tournament promises to elevate international volleyball to new heights. From the first serve in June to the finals in August, VNL 2025 will be a true showcase of the sport’s unifying power. Volleyball, more vibrant than ever, is ready to captivate the world.

 

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