The national team is ninth among the 15 qualified by ranking, joining the host Philippines and world champion Italy and the top three from each of the continental championships, for a total of 15, due to the expansion of the competition, from 24 to 32 teams.

The first phase will be played by eight groups of four teams, with the top two advancing to the round of 16.

“Returning to another final stage, this time in the World Championship, is another opportunity for us to work and compete with the best, in order to continue developing and consolidating our position in international volleyball”, stated coach João José, quoted by the Portuguese Volleyball Federation (FPV).

The coach, who was awarded as the best blocker in Portugal’s last World Championship appearance in 2002 in Argentina, praised the work of the organisation led by Vicente Araújo.

“The national team, through the FPV, has been working towards this goal in recent years and it is very gratifying to see this goal achieved, with our country represented among the best teams in the world”, highlighted João José, acknowledging that “preparation and regular presence in the final stages can make the team stronger”.

In its debut, Portugal finished 15th in the 1956 World Championship in France, improving its position in 2002 in Argentina to eighth place.

The 21st edition of the Volleyball World Cup will be held in two Philippine cities, between 12 and 28 September 2025, depending on the result of the draw scheduled for the 14th, in Manila.

In the last European Championship, held in 2023, in Italy, Bulgaria, North Macedonia and Israel, Portugal, in its seventh participation, finished 10th, having been eliminated by Ukraine, in the round of 16.