2026 FIVB Men's Volleyball Club World Championship: 8 teams from 4 continents to compete in Poland

The International Volleyball Federation (FIVB) has officially announced the list of 8 teams participating in the 2026 FIVB Men's Volleyball Club World Championship, to be held in Poland. The event promises top-tier matches, gathering continental champions and first-time representatives, marking a new development in world volleyball.

This year's tournament features 8 outstanding clubs from 4 continents: Europe, America, Asia, and Africa. Defending champion Sir Safety Perugia (Italy) will defend its title after winning the 2026 CEV Champions League. The Italian team boasts a star-studded lineup with stars like Oleh Plotnytskyi and Simone Giannelli, widely regarded as the top contender for the championship.

Perugia's most formidable opponent comes from South America – Sada Cruzeiro (Brazil), a traditional powerhouse with 5 world club titles. Alongside them is Vôlei Renata (Brazil), another South American representative, promising a thrilling competition. Asia is represented by Jakarta Bhayangkara Presisi (Indonesia) – the first Indonesian club to win the AVC Men's Champions League, and Foolad Sirjan Iranian (Iran) – Asian champions. Africa's representative is Al Ahly (Egypt), a highly decorated team in the CAVB Club Championship. Europe also features Ziraat Bank (Turkey), making its debut in this prestigious tournament.

Participating teams: - Sir Safety Perugia (Italy) – Defending champion, 2026 CEV Champions League winner. - Sada Cruzeiro (Brazil) – 5-time world club champion. - Vôlei Renata (Brazil) – Strong South American team. - Al Ahly (Egypt) – African representative, highly decorated. - Foolad Sirjan Iranian (Iran) – Asian champion. - Jakarta Bhayangkara Presisi (Indonesia) – Debutant, 2026 AVC Men's Champions League winner. - Ziraat Bank (Turkey) – Debutant. - The 8th team will be announced later (possibly host Poland or a wild card).

A notable highlight this year is the first-ever participation of an Indonesian men's club. Jakarta Bhayangkara Presisi made history by becoming the first Indonesian club to win the Asian championship, thus earning a spot in the world championship. This is a positive signal for the development of Southeast Asian volleyball in particular and Asia in general.

According to experts, Perugia remains the strongest team with a balanced star roster, but Sada Cruzeiro is not an easy opponent. Historical matchups between the two teams in previous tournaments show balance. Asian and African teams are seen as interesting wildcards, capable of causing surprises if they optimize their physicality and tactics.

FIVB and the Polish Volleyball Federation have signed an agreement to host the tournament for two years (2026 and 2027), affirming Poland's reputation in organizing international sports events. Further details on schedules, tickets, and additional teams will be announced in due course.

The 2026 Men's Club World Championship is not only a battleground for top clubs but also an opportunity for emerging volleyball nations like Indonesia to assert their position on the world map. With diverse playing styles from Europe, South America, Asia, and Africa, the tournament promises spectacular matches for fans.

In the context of growing world volleyball, the emergence of new teams like Jakarta Bhayangkara Presisi and Ziraat Bank demonstrates the sport's expansion. Vietnamese fans can also hope that one day local clubs will have the chance to participate in this prestigious arena.

Let's look forward to the next developments of the most exciting club-level tournament on the planet, where the brightest stars will shine on Polish soil.