The Philippines’ upcoming hosting of the FIVB Women’s Volleyball Nations League (VNL) is expected to play a significant role in the country’s preparations for the 2029 FIVB Women’s Volleyball World Championship.
According to FIVB Executive Vice President and Asian Volleyball Confederation president Tats Suzara, the country’s hosting of the women’s VNL over the next three years is part of the long‑term roadmap leading to the World Championship, which the Philippines is set to stage in 2029.
“The reason for having the Women’s (VNL) for the next three years is because of the hosting of the World Championship in 2029,” Suzara said.
The Philippines will host Pool 5 of the 2026 FIVB Women’s Volleyball Nations League from June 17 to 21 at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig City.
Philippines to Welcome Some of Volleyball’s Best Teams
The six‑team pool features some of the world’s top volleyball nations, led by defending champion and world No. 1 Italy. Also seeing action are world No. 4 Japan, No. 7 United States, No. 9 Serbia, No. 12 Dominican Republic, and No. 13 Czechia.
The tournament marks the return of the women’s VNL to Philippine soil for the first time since 2022, when the country successfully hosted a week of competition featuring several of the world’s leading national teams.
Since then, the Philippines hosted the men’s edition of the Volleyball Nations League in 2023 and 2024 before shifting its focus to the 2025 FIVB Men’s Volleyball World Championship.
“Women naman tayo ngayon for the next three years. It was supposed to be in Cebu, but hindi natapos ’yung seaside arena, so next year na ’yung Cebu,” Suzara explained.
“We have Italy here coming, Japan, Japan is playing well now. We have Serbia, although I heard Boskovic is not there, but it’s still a strong team. Of course, the Dominican Republic is still strong. Czechia, they already arrived and I think nagti‑training na sila sa Philsports. And one more team, USA.”
VNL a Preparation for the World Championship
Beyond serving as a showcase of world‑class volleyball, Suzara said the VNL hosting will also provide valuable experience for local organizers as the country continues preparing for the much larger task of hosting the World Championship in three years.
An FIVB delegation is also expected to visit the Philippines during the VNL to inspect preparations and assess the current state of volleyball in the country.
“So ito nakaka‑support sa women’s national team natin. But hopefully, things will be better. Hopefully, next week when the FIVB comes to check the status of volleyball here, they’re coming here next week during the VNL and I think there will be some MOA signing between PSC and FIVB,” Suzara said.
Despite the challenges currently facing Philippine volleyball, Suzara expressed optimism that stakeholders will eventually move forward together and focus on strengthening the sport.
“We will be better. Ang volleyball kasi, masyadong mas pulitika pa kaysa basketball eh,” he said.
“Let’s focus on events that will help our national teams.”
With the Women’s VNL returning and the 2029 World Championship on the horizon, the Philippines continues to position itself as one of volleyball’s emerging hosts in Asia while providing its national teams with greater exposure to the highest level of international competition.
