2026 Men's Volleyball Club World Championship: 8 Teams from 4 Continents Gather in Poland

The International Volleyball Federation (FIVB) has officially announced the eight teams participating in the 2026 Men's Volleyball Club World Championship. The event will be held in Poland for two consecutive years (2026 and 2027), marking the first time the country hosts the most prestigious club-level tournament. With teams from four continents, the championship promises intense matches and top-level performances. The reigning champion, Sir Susa Vim Perugia (Italy), is the most prominent name. The Italian club successfully defended its CEV Champions League title last season and boasts a star-studded lineup featuring Oleh Plotnytskyi and Simone Giannelli. Perugia is both the defending world club champion and the top favourite for this year's title. With deep experience and strong squad depth, they are expected to dominate again. South America is represented by Sada Cruzeiro (Brazil), one of the most traditional men's volleyball clubs, with five world club titles (2026, 2026, 2026, 2026, 2026). The organizing committee granted Cruzeiro a wild card due to their impressive record in the CSV Club Championship. Meanwhile, fellow Brazilian team Vôlei Renata qualified as the South American club runner-up. Both Brazilian teams bring technical skill, athleticism, and fighting spirit. Asia will have two representatives: Foolad Sirjan (Iran) and Jakarta Bhayangkara Presisi (Indonesia). Foolad Sirjan is the 2026 Asian champion, an experienced team known for solid defence. Jakarta Bhayangkara Presisi makes history as the first Indonesian men's club to win the AVC Men's Champions League. It is also the first Southeast Asian team to participate in the world championship, opening great opportunities for regional growth. Africa is represented by Al Ahly (Egypt), the most decorated club on the continent. Host nation Poland currently has no team in the list, but FIVB indicated that additional teams, including a Polish side, may be added later. A notable highlight is the debut of Ziraat (Turkey), who qualified as the CEV Champions League runner-up. Despite being a newcomer, Ziraat has a roster of international players and strong domestic form, adding competitiveness and diversity to the tournament. On paper, Perugia remains the strongest team, but Sada Cruzeiro can spring surprises thanks to its big-match experience. For Asian and African teams, the gap in level and playing style will be a major challenge. Experts note that long-distance travel will affect non-European teams, especially those from Indonesia, Iran, and Egypt. However, the short tournament format (group stage followed by knockout) may reduce the disparity. Another point of interest is the venue: Poland, a country with a developed volleyball culture and passionate fans. The absence of a Polish representative in the current list may disappoint local fans, but FIVB may award a wild card to a Polish team before the tournament starts. If that happens, the event's appeal will certainly increase. Tactically, the tournament promises a clash of different volleyball philosophies: European power and technique from Perugia and Ziraat, South American balance from Cruzeiro and Renata, Asian speed and defence from Foolad Sirjan and Jakarta, and African physicality from Al Ahly. Each team has unique strengths, creating an irresistible attraction for fans. Overall, the 2026 Men's Club World Championship is not only a contest to find the world's strongest club but also an opportunity to expand men's volleyball influence, especially in emerging markets like Indonesia, Turkey, and Iran. With FIVB's two-year commitment in Poland, the tournament is steadily establishing itself as one of the most important annual sports events. Further details on the schedule, format, and ticket prices will be announced by FIVB in due course. Vietnamese volleyball fans can look forward to spectacular performances from top world stars and, of course, the chance to watch live matches through sports media platforms.