Portuguese volleyball has been on a tear lately, putting the world on notice. The men’s national team just wrapped up a stunning performance at the World Championship in the Philippines, finishing among the top 16 nations. This means they ranked higher than traditional volleyball giants like Brazil and even France, the reigning Olympic champions. It’s a huge step, rewriting the history books for a program that last saw this stage way back in 2002.
The squad showed incredible heart and skill throughout their campaign. They put Portuguese volleyball on display for everyone to see. This strong showing helped them jump six spots in the world rankings, moving from 29th to a solid 23rd place. While Portugal was making waves, the 2025 World Championship title ultimately went to Italy. They successfully defended their crown, beating a surprising Bulgaria 3-1 in the final match (25-21, 25-17, 17-25, 25-10). Poland, currently ranked number one in the world, secured the bronze medal, overcoming Czechia 3-1 (25-18, 23-25, 25-22, 25-21).
Portugal’s journey in the Philippines started with a bang. They delivered an impressive 3-1 win over Cuba, immediately showing their ambition. An expected 3-0 loss to the strong United States followed. But the team’s fighting spirit shone brightest in an unforgettable game against Colombia. In a truly tense battle, Portugal clawed its way back from being down two sets to zero, sealing a memorable 3-2 victory.
The path eventually led to a tough Round of 16 matchup against Bulgaria. The Bulgarians were physically and technically superior, securing a 3-0 win. Despite the loss, Portugal refused to back down. They showed tremendous grit, especially in the second set, even leading at one point. They stood toe-to-toe with a team considered a medal contender. While they couldn’t quite hold onto that lead, their attitude and effort on the court were clear for all to see.
Coach João José’s national team finishing ahead of powerhouse nations like Brazil and Olympic champion France is a big deal. It proves how much potential and progress this group has. The World Championship run in the Philippines has boosted team morale. It also improved Portugal’s world ranking, which is key for getting into future top-tier events. The path forward is now clear, and the team is already looking toward its next big challenge: the 2026 European Championship. Their performance at the World Championship confirms that this team truly belongs among international volleyball’s elite. Their current success is the fruit of long-term planning, and it promises an even brighter future.
The Power of Women’s Volleyball
The positive momentum isn’t just with the men. The draw for the 2026 European Championship groups is set for October 4 in Bari, Italy. The tournament will run from August 21 to September 6 next year. Portugal’s Senior Women’s National Team has achieved a historic qualification for this final phase. This marks a glorious moment for Portuguese volleyball. It’s only the second time in history the team has earned a spot among Europe’s top 24, showing a period of significant success for women’s volleyball.
Women’s national team celebrates historic qualification
Under the guidance of coach Hugo Silva, the team displayed resilience, talent, and strong teamwork. This all came together in a decisive 3-0 triumph over Georgia. The match took place at the Santo Tirso Municipal Pavilion and was broadcast live on RTP.
U22 Team Also Shines
The U22 women’s team is also making headlines. Led by coach João Carronha, they are set to compete in the final phase of their European Championship. This event will run from July 7 to 12, 2026, in The Hague, Netherlands. Portugal secured its place as one of the two best second-place teams in the Euro 2026 qualifiers. They achieved this with a dominant 3-0 win against their Czech rivals. Even more impressively, they also managed to take a set off two-time reigning champions Italy in a 1-3 loss during their final Pool A qualification game.
U22 women’s national team will play in the final phase of the European Championship for the category
From the men’s team challenging the best in the world to the women’s senior and U22 squads making their own history, Portuguese volleyball is experiencing a remarkable rise across the board. The sport is undeniably riding a strong wave of success.