The match schedule for the new-look FIVB Volleyball Men's World Championship in Poland and Slovenia has been announced with a number of high-profile names in action on the first day’s play.
Men's World Championship 2022
Match schedule released for new-look FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship
Where and when the 52 matches will be played during the 20th edition of the championship have been confirmed
Published 07:00, 05 Jul 2022
Among those nations headlining on the opening day on 26 August are reigning world champions and co-hosts Poland, who begin the defence of their title against Bulgaria at 20:30 CEST in Katowice.
Runners-up from 2018, Brazil, kick-off at 11:00 CEST against Cuba in Ljubljana, while tournament debutants Qatar play a historic first match against Japan at 14:00 CEST in the Slovenia capital.
USA, third three years ago, go head-to-head with Mexico at 17:30 CEST in Katowice, while Slovenia – making only their second appearance at the championships – start their campaign against Cameroon in Ljubljana at 20:30 CEST.
Plus, if that was not enough, Olympic champions from Tokyo, France, begin their quest for a first world title with a match against European rivals Germany at 17:30 CEST in Ljubljana.
New format ready to rumble
Every match will count during the championship after Volleyball World and the FIVB announced in March a new format for the event.
The competition formula will see the 24 competing teams spread across six pools of four, playing in a single round-robin format. The top two nations in each pool and the four best third-placed teams will qualify for the elimination round – making it much simpler for fans across the globe to keep track of the action.
FIVB President Dr Ary S. Graça F° said: “With just less than two months to go to the FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship, preparations are in full swing for this prestigious event. Now, with the match schedule announced, the world’s best national teams have a clearer picture of the road they must travel to reach the coveted title of world champions.
“I would like to once again express my thanks to our co-hosts, Poland and Slovenia, for organising this prestigious event, and I have no doubt they will deliver an incredible celebration of volleyball for fans across the world.”
Volleyball World CEO Finn Taylor said: “The announcement of the match schedule illustrates just how the new competition format will benefit players and fans. It will now be easier to follow your team’s progress, but it also means each match takes on extra significance.
“An easier understanding of the way the competition works also makes it simpler for new fans to get involved which is crucial as the popularity of volleyball continues to explode around the world.
“We are grateful to Poland and Slovenia for taking over hosting duties and believe both will help us deliver a championship to remember.”
