Club World Championship 2026: Perugia, Sada Cruzeiro and the Question of Gap in Global Club Volleyball

FIVB has just announced the list of eight clubs participating in the FIVB Men's Club World Championship 2026, which will take place in Poland. Among those names, one made me pause longer than the rest: Jakarta Bhayangkara Presisi. Not because they are rated the highest, but because their presence marks the first time an Indonesian men's volleyball club has appeared on the world club stage. Standing beside them are Perugia — the reigning champions — Sada Cruzeiro — five-time former champions — and a series of other names from four continents. A colorful picture, but also one in which the gap between top and bottom may be larger than it appears. What is worth discussing is not who will win, but what this tournament says about the order of global club volleyball.

The world club event in men's volleyball has long lived in the shadow of national-team competitions. The Olympics, the World Championship, the Nations League — those are the arenas that attract all the attention of media and fans. The Club World Championship, despite its 'world' title, has often been treated as a secondary tournament, where European and South American clubs compete for the title while the rest of the planet plays the role of spectators. But the 2026 entry list tells a different story.

Eight clubs. Four continents. Europe has Perugia and Ziraat. South America has Sada Cruzeiro and Vôlei Renata. Asia has Jakarta Bhayangkara Presisi and Foolad Sirjan Iranian. Africa has Al Ahly. This is the first time in many years that the tournament brings together representatives from all four continents with developed volleyball traditions, rather than being a playground for Italy and Brazil with a few honorary guests.

Poland is the host. A choice that is anything but random. Volleyball is the national sport of Poland, where the men's national team matches attract tens of thousands of spectators to the arena and millions to television. FIVB has announced that Poland will host both the 2026 and 2027 editions, a signal that the organization is seeking to stabilize the venue and build a sustainable tournament brand, rather than moving to a new location every year as before.

What is notable is that among the eight teams, there is no Polish club. This is an easily overlooked detail that says much about how FIVB operates the tournament: the host slot may be awarded later, or the organizers want to keep the list open to add a host team in the final stretch. The official announcement states that information about the schedule and ticketing will be released in due course, implying that the current list of eight teams is not yet final.

World club volleyball is witnessing a clear stratification among volleyball nations. In Europe, Italy's Serie A and the leagues of Poland, Russia, and Turkey have risen to become top-tier competitions with large budgets, attracting stars from around the world. In South America, Brazil's Superliga retains its traditional standing. Meanwhile, leagues in Asia and Africa are working to close the gap but still have a long way to go.

Perugia is the prime representative of Italian volleyball's strength. The Umbrian club is the reigning Club World Championship title holder, and also won the CEV Champions League — the most prestigious club competition in Europe. Their roster includes world-class names such as Oleh Plotnytskyi and Simone Giannelli. Plotnytskyi, the Ukrainian outside hitter, is a complete attacking player with the ability to score from any position at the net. Giannelli, the setter and captain of the Italian national team, is considered one of the best setters of his generation, with a rare ability to orchestrate the ball and read the game.

Sada Cruzeiro is the traditional rival. The Brazilian club has won the Club World Championship five times, a record figure. They represent the South American school of volleyball: exquisite individual technique, speed, and creativity in attack. While Perugia is strong in system and squad depth, Sada Cruzeiro is dangerous in its ability to create breakthroughs from individual plays.

Vôlei Renata is Brazil's second representative. The club does not have the same track record as Sada Cruzeiro but remains a formidable force in South American volleyball. The presence of two Brazilian clubs shows the depth of the Superliga, a league that consistently produces high-quality teams.

Ziraat is a newcomer from Turkey. The club is appearing in the Club World Championship for the first time, but represents a rapidly rising volleyball nation. Turkish volleyball, especially at club level, has made remarkable strides over the past decade thanks to strong investment in both men's and women's volleyball. Ziraat is proof of Turkish volleyball's ambition to reach out to the world.

Foolad Sirjan Iranian represents Iran, an Asian volleyball powerhouse. Iranian volleyball has a long tradition and has established its position at national-team level. At club level, Foolad Sirjan Iranian is one of the strongest teams in the Iranian league, and their appearance in the Club World Championship is an opportunity to affirm Iranian volleyball's place on the world map.

Jakarta Bhayangkara Presisi is the most special story. This is the first Indonesian men's volleyball club to win the Asian championship and qualify for the Club World Championship. For a country whose volleyball has never been ranked among the top volleyball nations in the continent, this is a historic milestone. The appearance of Jakarta Bhayangkara Presisi is not just the story of one club, but the story of an entire volleyball nation trying to reach out to the big sea.

Al Ahly is Africa's representative. The Egyptian club is one of the most successful teams in African volleyball, with a strong record in continental competitions. Al Ahly's presence brings a diversity of playing styles to the tournament, while also affirming the global nature of the Club World Championship.

The central question of this year's tournament is: will the Italian-Brazilian duopoly be broken? For many years, the Club World Championship has been the private playground of clubs from the two strongest volleyball nations in the world. Teams from Asia, Africa, and even Europe outside Italy often played the role of guests. But with the presence of Ziraat, Jakarta Bhayangkara Presisi, and Foolad Sirjan Iranian, that question becomes more thought-provoking than ever.

Looking at the tournament structure, it should be noted that FIVB has not yet announced the specific format for 2026. Previous editions were usually organized with eight teams split into two groups, playing a single round-robin, followed by semifinals and final. This format rewards consistency over luck, as each team must go through at least three group matches before entering the knockout stage. With eight teams, there is no room for error in the early stage.

Another important factor is travel. Poland is located in the center of Europe, convenient for Italian and Turkish clubs. Meanwhile, teams from Brazil, Indonesia, Iran, and Egypt must endure long flights, accompanied by significant time-zone changes. In a short tournament, the impact of travel and time-zone adaptation can be greater than people think. This is a potential advantage that Perugia and Ziraat have, though it is not a decisive factor.

In terms of force correlation, Perugia is clearly the number-one candidate. The Italian club possesses an all-star squad, championship experience, and stability at the highest level. Sada Cruzeiro is the number-two candidate, with the record and tradition of a five-time former champion. The gap between these two teams and the rest of the field is significant, but volleyball is a sport where one bad day can overturn any prediction.

The key point is this: the commercial value of a global tournament does not automatically translate into balanced competitive value. The presence of teams from four continents helps FIVB expand television markets, attract sponsors, and build the image of a global sport. But on the court, the gap in level between Perugia and Jakarta Bhayangkara Presisi, or between Sada Cruzeiro and Al Ahly, remains a reality that cannot be denied. The issue is not that weaker teams do not deserve to be there, but whether they have enough time and resources to close the gap before the tournament begins.

I have followed world club volleyball for many years, and what I have learned is that underrated teams often have a certain psychological advantage. They enter the tournament with nothing to lose, while the stronger teams bear the pressure to win. That pressure can become a burden, especially in knockout matches where a small mistake can decide the fate of an entire season.

Another notable point is the schedule issue. The Club World Championship is usually held in December, coinciding with the peak period of European domestic leagues. This raises the question of whether big clubs like Perugia will field their strongest lineups, as they also have to compete in Serie A and the CEV Champions League. For a club with ambitions in multiple competitions, squad rotation is unavoidable, and that could create opportunities for opponents.

Conversely, teams from Asia and Africa view the Club World Championship as the biggest opportunity of the year. They will pour all their strength into this tournament, because it is the only arena where they can measure their level against the world's top teams. This difference in motivation can produce surprises, though it is unlikely to change the overall picture.

Regarding refereeing and technology, the tournament will apply the challenge system according to FIVB standards. This has become standard in international tournaments, but there are still debates about whether the system is truly transparent and consistent in all situations. I have witnessed plays where refereeing decisions caused controversy, and what concerns me is that the mechanism for explaining to spectators at the venue remains limited. Television viewers get to see replays on screen, but spectators at the venue sometimes lack enough information to understand why a decision was made.

Returning to the stories of the teams. The presence of Jakarta Bhayangkara Presisi brings a special dimension to this year's tournament. Indonesian volleyball, despite having a large fan base, has never had a men's representative at the world club level. Their winning of the Asian championship and qualification for this tournament is the result of a sustained investment process, and also a signal that Southeast Asian volleyball is making notable progress.

However, it is necessary to objectively recognize that the gap between Southeast Asian volleyball and the world's top volleyball nations remains very large. Jakarta Bhayangkara Presisi will have to face teams with superior height, power, and experience. Their realistic goal is probably not to win against Perugia or Sada Cruzeiro, but to compete honorably and learn from the top opponents.

Ziraat is another interesting case. Turkish volleyball has invested heavily in both men's and women's sides for many years, and Ziraat is the result of that process. The club may not have the international record of Perugia or Sada Cruzeiro, but it possesses financial resources and the ability to attract quality players. This is the type of team that can cause surprises if everything goes according to plan.

On the financial and transfer side, the Club World Championship is an opportunity for clubs to promote their brand and attract sponsors. For Perugia, another world-level title will consolidate their position as one of the most successful clubs in history. For Sada Cruzeiro, a championship will affirm that Brazilian volleyball still has enough strength to compete with Europe's growing dominance.

It is notable that while women's volleyball is receiving more attention and investment, men's club volleyball is still struggling to find its place in the global sports landscape. The Club World Championship, despite being the highest-level club tournament, has not yet achieved a level of popularity and commercial value commensurate with its status. FIVB's multi-year hosting agreement with Poland could be a step in the right direction to build a stable tournament brand.

Looking at the big picture, the 2026 tournament promises to deliver high-quality matches between top teams. The diversity of countries and continents is a plus for the sport's global nature, but it also raises questions about competitive balance. In the short term, Perugia and Sada Cruzeiro remain the strongest candidates. But in the long term, the appearance of teams like Ziraat and Jakarta Bhayangkara Presisi could be the beginning of a power shift in world club volleyball.

Another thought-provoking angle: should the Club World Championship expand the number of participating teams to increase competitiveness and representation? Currently, eight teams is a small number compared to the number of countries and regions with developed volleyball. If the tournament expands to 12 or 16 teams, opportunities for teams from Asia, Africa, and South America will be greater, while creating more exciting matches. Of course, this comes with challenges regarding scheduling and organizational costs.

On another front, the development of club volleyball depends heavily on the strength of national leagues. A country can only produce clubs of continental and world caliber if its national league is properly invested in, from facilities to youth development. This is a lesson that many developing volleyball nations, including Vietnam, can draw from the path of Turkey or Indonesia.

During the days of following news about the tournament, I noticed something interesting: interest in this year's Club World Championship is noticeably higher than in previous editions, largely from Indonesian and Iranian fans. This shows that when a new volleyball nation has a representative on the world stage, the tournament's appeal multiplies. This is a sports marketing lesson that organizers should remember.

On the technical side, I will pay particular attention to how Perugia builds its attacking system around Plotnytskyi and Giannelli. This duo is the heart of the team, and how they connect with other attacking options will determine Perugia's success. If Giannelli can orchestrate the ball effectively and Plotnytskyi maintains high form, Perugia will be very hard to beat. Conversely, if either of them has issues with form or fitness, the Italian club's system could be seriously affected.

Sada Cruzeiro will have to rely on its experience and mettle. As a club that has won the world title five times, they know how to play in decisive moments. Their strength lies in adaptability and the ability to create breakthroughs, and those are invaluable qualities in a short tournament.

For the remaining teams, the goals differ. Vôlei Renata and Foolad Sirjan Iranian can compete for a semifinal spot. Ziraat, with its financial potential and squad quality, can cause surprises. Al Ahly and Jakarta Bhayangkara Presisi will most likely focus on competing honorably and accumulating valuable experience.

The story of this year's tournament also lies in how FIVB is working to globalize the sport. While football has an expanded Club World Cup with dozens of teams, volleyball still maintains a modest number of participants. Expanding the tournament could be the next step to close the gap with other team sports in popularity and commercial value.

Another aspect worth considering is the development of women's volleyball. While men's club volleyball is still finding its footing, women's volleyball has made remarkable strides in popularity and investment. Tournaments like the VTV Cup and women's national leagues in Asia attract large audiences. This raises the question of balanced development between the two genders in this sport.

In that context, following the men's Club World Championship is not just a technical story, but also a story about how a sport is shaping its own future. The appearance of new teams and new volleyball nations on the world stage is a positive signal, but it also poses challenges in maintaining quality and competitiveness.

I still remember the feeling of following a Club World Championship for the first time many years ago. Back then, the tournament only had the participation of a few European and South American clubs, and the outcome was almost predetermined. Looking back, the change in this year's entry composition is a notable step forward. But to truly create a competitive and attractive tournament, much work remains to be done.

Regarding the format, I believe FIVB should consider announcing the format and schedule earlier so clubs have enough time to prepare. Announcing the list of participating teams before releasing the format and schedule can cause inconvenience for teams in planning training and travel. This is a small detail but can affect the quality of the tournament.

Another point to note is the tournament's impact on national leagues. For Asian clubs like Jakarta Bhayangkara Presisi or Foolad Sirjan Iranian, participating in the Club World Championship can affect their domestic league schedules. This requires coordination between national federations and FIVB to ensure that clubs can participate without affecting domestic competitions.

In the context of increasingly competitive volleyball for resources and audience attention, the Club World Championship needs to find a way to assert its position. Attracting teams from multiple continents is a step in the right direction, but it only has meaning if the quality of play is ensured and weaker teams have a chance to develop.

Finally, what I care about most when following this tournament is the story of the teams setting foot on the world stage for the first time. For them, every match is a lesson, every point is an achievement. And in sports, sometimes stories of effort and rising up are more appealing than the titles of big clubs.

The tournament will take place in Poland, with matches held in modern arenas and the passionate atmosphere of Polish volleyball fans. This is one of the countries with the most special volleyball culture in the world, where international matches always attract great interest. Organizing the tournament here promises to bring a vibrant atmosphere and unforgettable experiences for both players and spectators.

In recent years, volleyball has witnessed the rise of many new volleyball nations, from Asia to Africa. The Club World Championship is an opportunity for these volleyball nations to assert their position on the world map. And even if the results may not meet expectations, their presence is already a success.

Fortunately, FIVB has committed to organizing the tournament in Poland for two consecutive years. This is a signal that the organization has a long-term strategy to develop the Club World Championship into a sustainable brand. With a stable venue, the tournament can build a loyal audience and attract long-term sponsors.

While waiting for further information about the format and schedule, fans can begin to ask questions about each team's chances. Perugia and Sada Cruzeiro are the top candidates, but volleyball always has room for surprises. And in a short tournament, any team can make history.

I will continue to follow the tournament's developments, from the announcement of the format to pre-tournament friendlies. These are important signals for assessing each team's preparation and predicting the tournament's landscape.

The question is not only who will win, but whether this tournament can create a turning point in how world club volleyball is perceived. If Asian and African teams can compete with the top teams, it will open a new chapter for the sport. If the gap remains too large, the question of competitive balance will continue to be raised.

Whatever the outcome, the Club World Championship 2026 promises to be a tournament worth following, with stories of effort, passion, and the aspiration to reach out to the world of different volleyball nations. And sometimes, those stories are what make sports special.

In the flow of world volleyball, each tournament is an important link, connecting the past with the future and opening up new possibilities. The Club World Championship 2026, with eight teams from four continents, is proof that the sport is developing toward globalization. And in the future, we may look back on this tournament as an important milestone in the journey of world club volleyball reaching out to the big sea.