Revolutionary changes in the tournament structure

The seventh edition of the Volleyball Nations League (VNL 2025) comes with a number of significant innovations that will affect all participating teams. The International Volleyball Federation (FIVB) announced a new ranking system, eliminating the previous distinction between so-called "core teams" and "challenger teams."

Starting in 2025, all 18 teams in the tournament are on equal footing, and the last-place team in the final standings will be relegated. Its place will be taken by the highest-ranked team in the world rankings that did not participate in the current edition. This means that every match will matter - both for prestige and for survival.

Bulgaria once again among the leading teams in the world

The Bulgarian men's national team will once again compete in the Nations League, maintaining its place among the strongest volleyball nations in the world, thanks to its ranking and participation in previous editions.

The expansion of the format from 16 to 18 teams allowed new teams like China and Ukraine to join the competition, but Bulgaria's participation is not a result of this change, but of its presence in the core of the tournament in recent seasons.

Host cities and Bulgaria's schedule

In the intercontinental phase of VNL 2025, Bulgaria will participate in three stages, in the following cities and against the following opponents:

• Stage 1: Quebec (Canada), June 11–16
  🇧🇬 Opponents: Italy, Argentina, Germany, and hosts Canada

• Stage 2: Burgas (Bulgaria), June 25–29
  🇧🇬 Opponents: Japan, Slovenia, Turkey, and Ukraine
  🏠 This will also be Bulgaria's home tournament in front of a home crowd

• Stage 3: Gdansk (Poland), July 16–20
  🇧🇬 Opponents: Cuba, China, Poland, and Iran

Matches will be played from Wednesday to Sunday, and between the second and third stages, players will have an extended break from June 30 to July 14.

Final phase and eliminations

After the three stages, the seven best teams in the standings plus the host of the finals will qualify for the elimination phase.

• Quarter-finals will be played on a direct elimination basis

• Winners advance to the semi-final, and losers are eliminated

• The Final Eight will be held in Ningbo, China

Innovations in Technology

FIVB also introduces a number of technological innovations:

• Real-time video replays – coaches will be able to request a review of any situation immediately after it concludes

• Quick IN/OUT check – already tested during the Olympic Games

• Side change – teams will play the first two sets on one side, and then a change will be made; in a tie-break – after the 8th point

Conclusion

Bulgaria's participation in the 2025 Nations League comes with new opportunities and serious challenges. With increased competition, the lack of "safe spots", and the need for every point won, our national team must perform steadily to solidify its position in the world volleyball elite.