As the curtains prepare to fall on the intense preliminary rounds of the Volleyball Nations League (VNL) 2025, and with the Finals in Łódź, Poland, just around the corner, the volleyball world is already turning its gaze towards an even more monumental event. The 2025 FIVB Volleyball Women’s World Championship, scheduled to ignite courts across Thailand from August 22 to September 7, promises a spectacle of unparalleled talent. The recent unveiling of the 25-player long-list rosters for the 32 participating nations has confirmed what many fans hoped for: a significant number of the sport`s brightest international stars, some of whom opted for a well-deserved sabbatical during the VNL, are poised for a grand return.
The Road to Thailand: Roster Dynamics
These initial long-lists, comprising up to 25 athletes per team, serve as the foundational blueprint for national coaches. While generous in scope, they will be meticulously trimmed down to a final roster of 12 to 14 players, to be confirmed just a day before the Preliminary Inquiry. This process ensures that coaches have ample flexibility to assess current form and fitness, while also allowing for the strategic reintroduction of key personnel. The message is clear: teams are gearing up to deploy their absolute best for this prestigious championship, no holds barred.
Star Power Unleashed: Key Returns and Formidable Squads
Serbia: Reasserting Dominance with Familiar Faces
Defending champions Serbia, having etched their name in history with consecutive World Championship titles in 2018 and 2022, are set to receive a significant boost. The legendary setter and long-time national team captain, **Maja Ognjenović**, a pivotal architect of their 2018 triumph, is back on the long list. Her unparalleled court vision and tactical prowess are invaluable. Joining her is middle blocker **Mina Popović**, a cornerstone of the 2022 winning squad. Their presence is not merely about individual skill; it`s about re-injecting championship-winning experience and an almost telepathic understanding into the Serbian machine.
United States: Olympic Pedigree Reinforced
For the Paris Olympic silver medalists (referring to the most recent completed Olympic cycle for context, though the original article`s reference might imply a future Paris 2024 results for VNL 2025), the United States, the news is equally electrifying. Tokyo Olympic champion middle blocker **Chiaka Ogbogu**, renowned for her formidable blocking and powerful attacks, is set for a potential return. Alongside her, high-scoring outside hitters **Khalia Lanier** and **Alexandra Frantti**, who have been noticeably absent from the VNL circuit thus far, are also included. For Head Coach Erik Sullivan, this expands his arsenal considerably, adding layers of offensive firepower and defensive solidity, crucial for a deep run.
China: A Scoring Maestro`s Comeback
Asian powerhouse China, always a formidable contender, will be welcoming back their scoring talisman. Outside hitter **Li Yingying**, who has consistently been the team`s leading scorer in recent seasons, is on the long list. Her return complements veterans like opposite **Gong Xiangyu** and middle blocker **Wang Yuanyuan**, promising a potent and balanced attack as they chase the world title on home continent soil.
Türkiye: The “Sultans of the Net” Reunited
The reigning VNL and European Championship winners from 2023, Türkiye, are set to fully reunite their formidable core. The return of their charismatic and influential captain, middle blocker **Eda Erdem**, after her VNL break, is paramount. With Erdem back alongside the dynamic **Zehra Güneş** (middle blocker), the explosive **Melissa Vargas** (opposite), and the fiery **Ebrar Karakurt** (outside hitter), Head Coach Daniele Santarelli will command the very squad that dominated the international scene last year. The “Sultans of the Net” are preparing to reclaim their comprehensive glory.
Brazil: Bronze Medalists with Strategic Adjustments
Brazil, who clinched bronze in Paris, largely maintains their VNL squad. Key figures like outside hitters **Gabriela `Gabi` Guimarães** and **Ana Cristina Souza**, opposite **Rosamaria Montibeller**, and setter **Macris Carneiro** remain at the forefront. A notable potential return is libero **Nyeme Nunes**, who took time off after becoming a mother, adding crucial defensive depth. While middle blocker Ana Carolina `Carol` da Silva isn`t on the list, Brazil’s cohesive unit remains a significant threat, known for their resilience and tactical discipline.
The Netherlands: Elevating Their Game
The Dutch national team is another squad poised for an elevated performance in Thailand. The potential re-entry of experienced veterans such as setter **Britt Bongaerts**, outside hitters **Marrit Jasper** and **Jolien Knollema**, and opposite **Celeste Plak** – all having missed VNL action – could significantly enhance their competitiveness and tactical options, giving them the depth needed for a marathon tournament.
Italy: Olympic Champions, Consistent Excellence
Olympic champions Italy, having secured their first Olympic gold, arrive in Thailand with a largely stable yet undeniably elite roster. Featuring ten of the thirteen players who achieved that historic feat, including the unstoppable opposite **Paola Egonu**, the defensive maestro **Monica De Gennaro** (libero), and team captain **Anna Danesi** (middle blocker), Italy`s consistent excellence makes them formidable contenders, demonstrating that a winning formula, when finely tuned, needs no radical overhaul.
Asian Aspirations and Beyond
Host nation **Thailand** is determined to impress their home fans, with stars like setter **Pornpun Guedpard**, high-scoring opposite **Pimpichaya Kokram**, and versatile outside hitters **Ajcharaporn Kongyot** and **Chatchu-On Mokrsi** on their long list, ready to electrify the home crowd with their trademark dynamic play. **Japan** will rely on newly-appointed captain **Mayu Ishikawa** to lead a strong contingent including libero **Manami Kojima** and opposite **Yukiko Wada**. **Poland** brings an experienced roster featuring captain **Agnieszka Korneluk** and opposite **Magdalena Stysiak**, aiming for a strong showing.
Beyond these powerhouses, the World Championship will showcase an array of talent from across the globe, including Sweden’s prodigious opposite **Isabelle Haak**, Vietnam’s resilient outside hitter **Thi Thanh Thuy**, Germany’s reliable **Lina Alsmeier**, France’s versatile **Héléna Cazaute**, the Dominican Republic’s powerful **Brayelin Martinez**, Canada’s prolific scorer **Kiera Van Ryk**, Bulgaria’s experienced **Elitsa Atanasijević**, and Belgium’s dynamic **Britt Herbots**. Each brings their unique flair and competitive spirit, promising compelling matchups and unforgettable moments of individual brilliance.
Anticipation Builds: A Championship of Champions
The release of these long lists is more than just an administrative update; it’s a powerful declaration of intent. It signals that the 2025 FIVB Women’s World Championship will be a true battle of titans, a gathering of the sport`s most accomplished and exciting players. The strategic re-integration of rested veterans alongside the established VNL performers sets the stage for a tournament of unprecedented depth and intensity. The chess pieces are being meticulously arranged for what promises to be a global masterclass in women`s volleyball. Fans worldwide can now count down the days to a championship where every serve, every spike, and every block will matter immensely in the pursuit of global glory. Thailand awaits, ready to host a true festival of elite women`s volleyball, where legends will be made and legacies reinforced.
Rupert Caldwell