The Bulgarian women's national team made one of the most significant steps forward in 2025, according to the assessment of the International Volleyball Federation (FIVB), expressed in a special article on the organization's website. After a period of rejuvenation and restructuring, Marcello Abbondanza's squad enters the 2026 Nations League with a clearer identity, an improved ranking in the world standings, and serious hopes for the future.
Over the past two years, Bulgaria has undergone an inevitable squad renewal process, with young volleyball players increasingly taking on a larger role. According to FIVB, the 2025 season has shown the first real results of this transition.
The leap in the world rankings did not go unnoticed.
One of the most eloquent indicators of the Bulgarian team's progress was their performance in the Volleyball Nations League in 2025.
The national team finished the preliminary phase in 13th place with four wins and eight losses, not only retaining their place among the elite but also improving their performance compared to the previous season.
Among the most valuable successes were the victory over the Dominican Republic, the dramatic five-set triumph against Serbia, and the important success over Thailand, which helped the team consolidate a higher position in the standings.
These results were also reflected in the world rankings. At one point in the tournament, Bulgaria climbed from 20th to 15th place in the FIVB ranking
one of the most significant ascents among all participants in the competition.
Such development is particularly indicative for a team that is still in the building process and seeking consistency against the leading forces in world volleyball.
The World Championship showed how much work remains.
After their encouraging performance in the VNL, the Bulgarian women faced an even greater challenge at the World Championship in Thailand.
Placed in a difficult group, the team failed to reach the knockout phase and finished 27th in the final standings. Despite the result, FIVB notes that the participation was an important part of the squad's development.
Clashes with top-level teams provided valuable information about Bulgaria's strengths and weaknesses, and the experience gained is seen as an investment for the coming years.
Among the volleyball players who made significant progress, the international federation highlights Alexandra Milanova. The outside hitter gradually established herself as one of the leading figures in attack and a symbol of the new generation in the national team.
The Girls' World Title boosts optimism.
While the senior national team was gaining experience at the highest level, another Bulgarian squad brought one of the greatest achievements in the history of Bulgarian women's volleyball.
The U19 national girls' team won the world title in 2025, and according to FIVB, this success is proof that there is a solid foundation behind the rejuvenation of the women's national team.
The presence of talented players who are already knocking on the door of the senior national team provides additional confidence for Bulgaria's future development.
FIVB's support continues.
The renewal process is also supported by the International Federation's Volleyball Empowerment program.
Between 2023 and March 2025, the Bulgarian women's national team received 84,000 US dollars in targeted funding. Additionally, in 2022 and 2025, the Bulgarian federation received equipment worth a total of 167,000 dollars, intended for the national programs for men and women.
According to FIVB, precisely such long-term support has further helped Bulgaria to transition more smoothly through the period of rejuvenation and building a new squad.
Tough start in VNL 2026
After the first signs of improvement last season, Marcelo Abbondanza's team faces a new serious challenge.
Bulgaria will begin its participation in VNL 2026 in Brazil between June 3 and 7, where it will face three of the strongest teams in the world – world champion Italy, Turkey, and host Brazil, as well as the Dominican Republic.
The second week will pit the Bulgarians against Poland, Thailand, Canada, and Ukraine, and the preliminary phase will conclude in Belgrade with matches against Serbia, Czech Republic, France, and Germany.
For Bulgaria, the upcoming edition of the Nations League will not be so much a test of the team's potential, but rather a check of how successfully the young squad has managed to turn individual strong results into a consistently high level of performance. This is precisely the next step that FIVB expects from the Bulgarian national team after the signs of progress shown in 2025.
