2027 Women’s Volleyball Worlds in US & Canada, 2029 Men’s in Qatar
The International Volleyball Federation (FIVB) and its commercial arm, Volleyball World, have announced landmark host selections for upcoming editions of the Volleyball World Championship. The 2027 Women’s Volleyball World Championship will be co-hosted by the United States and Canada, while Qatar will stage the Men’s Volleyball World Championship in 2029.
Historic First for North America
For the first time in history, the Women’s Volleyball World Championship will be staged in the US and Canada, signaling a major milestone for the sport’s expansion in North America. The timing is particularly notable, as the tournament will take place just one year before the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games.
The Honda Center in Anaheim, California—home of the NHL’s Anaheim Ducks—along with the newly developed OCVIBE complex will serve as venues for the final rounds of the women’s tournament. Four additional host cities across the US and Canada will be selected for the pool phase and round of 16, with announcements expected at a later date.
Qatar Marks First Middle East Hosting
The 2029 Men’s Volleyball World Championship will also break new ground, with matches scheduled in Doha, Qatar. This marks the first time the event will be staged in the Middle East.
Qatar has steadily built a reputation for hosting world-class sporting events. Most notably, it was the venue for the 2022 FIFA World Cup. More recently, the Gulf nation has secured a long-term deal with the Professional Triathletes Organisation (PTO) to host the T100 Triathlon World Tour Final. Additionally, Qatar has been linked to a joint bid for the 2035 or 2039 Rugby World Cup and has expressed interest in staging the 2036 Summer Olympics.
Biennial Format and Global Expansion
In 2023, FIVB decided to transition the Volleyball World Championships from a quadrennial to a biennial format. The inaugural events under this updated system were staged in Thailand (women’s) and the Philippines (men’s) earlier this year.
The shift in format is part of FIVB’s broader Strategic Vision 2032, aimed at enhancing accessibility, expanding global reach, and maximizing engagement.
Statements from FIVB and Volleyball World
FIVB president Fabio Azevedo emphasized that these host selections embody volleyball’s commitment to inclusivity and growth.
“With the USA and Canada set to host the women’s edition in 2027 and Qatar staging the men’s event in 2029, we are confident in delivering unforgettable tournaments for athletes, fans, and all global volleyball movement stakeholders,” Azevedo said.
He added that expanding into new regions reinforces the sport’s values of collaboration, integration, peace, and solidarity.
Volleyball World CEO Ugo Valensi echoed the sentiment, highlighting how hosting in North America and the Middle East represents an opportunity to grow volleyball’s global fanbase.
“The caliber of our hosts highlights volleyball’s worldwide momentum. Bringing the World Championships to North America and the Middle East—two of our most dynamic growth markets—will connect us with new fans and deliver unforgettable experiences in arenas and across broadcast, OTT, and digital platforms,” Valensi said.
He also stressed that the events would foster fresh partnerships, investment, and fan engagement, while supporting long-term innovation and value creation for the sport.
Looking Ahead
With the US, Canada, and Qatar now preparing to host volleyball’s most prestigious tournaments, the sport is set to achieve new levels of visibility and influence. The 2027 and 2029 editions will not only crown world champions but also serve as milestones in expanding volleyball’s global legacy.