Women's Volleyball World Cup 2027: 18 Teams Secure Tickets After Continental Qualifiers

The first phase of the qualification process for the 2027 FIVB Women's Volleyball World Cup has officially concluded after all five continental qualifying events ended. As of now, 18 out of the 32 participating teams have officially secured their spots in the finals. In addition to defending champions Italy and co-host nations Canada and the United States, the women's national teams of Argentina, Brazil, Cameroon, China, Colombia, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Egypt, Japan, Kenya, Poland, Puerto Rico, Serbia, Thailand, and Turkiye have earned their places at the prestigious tournament through their continental qualification pathways.

The 2027 Women's Volleyball World Cup is a premier event in world women's volleyball, bringing together 32 of the strongest teams. The first three berths were reserved for Italy as the winners of the 2026 FIVB Volleyball Women's World Championship, along with Canada and the United States, who will host the tournament in 2027. The remaining 14 spots are yet to be determined.

NORCECA (North, Central America and Caribbean)

At the 2026 NORCECA Women's Volleyball Continental Championship in Santo Domingo, Cuba and the Dominican Republic secured the first continental tickets to next year's global event by reaching the semifinals along with World Cup hosts Canada and USA. Eventually, they finished third and fourth in the final standings. Puerto Rico, which placed fifth, also qualified for the World Cup as the next team from the region.

This is a region with a strong tradition in women's volleyball, featuring many top teams. The Dominican Republic, with stars like Brayelin Martínez and Jineiry Martínez, is always a formidable opponent. Puerto Rico, though not rated as highly as the top two, delivered an impressive performance to earn their ticket.

AVC (Asia)

The next World Cup tickets were earned by Thailand and China, with both teams advancing to the gold medal showdown of the 2026 AVC Women's Volleyball Asian Championship in the Chinese city of Tianjin. Thailand went on to snatch the continental crown, leaving the mighty hosts China in second place. Japan, which won the bronze medal game in Tianjin, also qualified for World Cup 2027.

Thailand's victory is considered one of the biggest surprises in Asian volleyball this year. The team from the Land of Smiles overcame strong opponents China to win their first Asian title. With players like Pornpun Guedpard, Chatchu-on Moksri, and Ajcharaporn Kongyot, Thailand is showing remarkable growth. China, despite not winning the title, remains a formidable force with stars like Zhu Ting, Yuan Xinyue, and Li Yingying. Japan, with its resilient defensive play, will also be a team to watch at the World Cup.

CAVB (Africa)

Egypt and Kenya were the first African teams to secure passage to the World Cup in Canada and USA. They did so by progressing to the final of the 2026 CAVB Women's Volleyball African Nations Championship in Nairobi. Egypt pushed on to top the podium, while the home team Kenya had to settle for the runner-up position. Cameroon, which celebrated the continental bronze medals in Nairobi, claimed Africa's third ticket to the World Cup.

Women's volleyball in Africa is making significant strides. Egypt and Kenya are two teams with rich traditions, while Cameroon is emerging as a new force. The presence of these three teams at the World Cup will be an opportunity for them to assert themselves on the world stage.

CEV (Europe)

Three European teams booked their tickets to the World Cup after advancing to the 2026 CEV Women's Volleyball European Championship semifinals along with already qualified defending champions Italy. This meant that the other three EuroVolley semifinalists – Serbia, Poland, and Turkiye – picked up the three continental berths at next year's premier competition. Turkiye, Italy, and Serbia, in that order, lined up on the EuroVolley podium in Istanbul.

Serbia, with star Tijana Boskovic, remains one of the strongest teams. Poland, with the return of quality attackers, is gradually regaining its position. Turkiye, under coach Giovanni Guidetti, had a successful tournament by winning the European title. Italy, though not needing to worry about World Cup qualification, still showed its strength by finishing second. The presence of four European teams at the World Cup promises top-level matches.

CSV (South America)

At the end of the penultimate competition day at the 2026 CSV Women's Volleyball South American Championship in Rio de Janeiro, the three teams that would book tickets to the 2027 World Cup were already known – Brazil, Argentina, and Colombia. In that order on the following day, they finished as gold, silver, and bronze medalists of the continental tournament.

Brazil continues to assert its dominance in South America. With stars like Gabriela Guimarães, Ana Carolina da Silva, and Macris Carneiro, Brazil is a serious contender for the World Cup title. Argentina and Colombia are also making great progress. Argentina with its technical play and Colombia with its physical strength are gradually becoming formidable forces.

After the continental qualifiers concluded, 18 teams have secured their tickets to the 2027 Women's Volleyball World Cup. Notably, Thailand caused a major upset by defeating China to win the Asian title, thereby qualifying for a World Cup for the first time as continental champions. The 2027 Women's Volleyball World Cup will be held in Canada and the United States, featuring 32 teams. This is the first time the tournament has been expanded to 32 teams, promising exciting and dramatic matches.