The 25-player lists are now a fact - fans are expecting the return of their favorites
New names are included in the extended list for the World Championship in the Philippines in the Bulgarian squad.
| No. | Last Name | Position |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Simeon Nikolov | Setter |
| 2 | Krasimir Georgiev | Middle Blocker |
| 3 | Iliya Petkov | Middle Blocker |
| 4 | Martin Atanasov | Outside Hitter |
| 5 | Boris Nachev | Middle Blocker |
| 6 | Viktor Zhekoff | Setter |
| 8 | Asparuh Asparuhov | Outside Hitter |
| 9 | Vladimir Garkov | Outside Hitter |
| 10 | Denis Karayagin | Outside Hitter |
| 11 | Alex Grozdanov | Middle Blocker |
| 12 | Georgi Tatarov | Outside Hitter |
| 13 | Dimitar Dimitrov | Opposite Hitter |
| 15 | Rusi Zhelev | Outside Hitter |
| 16 | Hristiyan Dimitrov | Opposite Hitter |
| 17 | Samuil Valchinov | Outside Hitter |
| 18 | Venislav Antov | Opposite Hitter |
| 19 | Denislav Bardarov | Outside Hitter |
| 20 | Stoil Palev | Setter |
| 21 | Dimitar Dobrev | Libero |
| 22 | Damian Kolev | Libero |
| 23 | Aleksandar Nikolov | Outside Hitter |
| 25 | Lyuboslav Telkiyski | Setter |
| 29 | Preslav Petkov | Middle Blocker |
| 31 | Kaloyan Botev | Libero |
| 32 | Ivaylo Damyanov | Middle Blocker |
| — | Blengini | Head coach |
The inclusion of the setter from the U21 national team is noteworthyViktor Zhekoff, as well as the liberoDimitar Dobrev, who is an absolute debutant in this expanded squad.
From the so-called"B" national team the list includesKaloyan Botev,Hristian Dimitrov,Samuil Valchinov,Denis Bardarov,Denis KaryaginandIvaylo Damyanov.
Boris Nachev was included in the squad for the first Nations League tournament in Canada, but did not get a chance to play.
Lyuboslav Telkiyskiwas called up "in a hurry" from the "B" team after the injury ofSimeon Nikolov, but also did not record playing minutes in the VNL.
The 2025 Men's Volleyball World Championship, which will take place in the Philippines from September 12 to 28, is shaping up to be the most anticipated event in the international calendar. Five weeks before the start of the competition, the expanded rosters of 25 players from all participating teams were published - the so-calledlong-lists, which will serve as the basis for forming the final teams (between 12 and 14 players) immediately before the start of the tournament.
Fans have every reason to be excited - some of the big stars who missed the 2025 Nations League are back in the game. Among them areEarvin Ngapeth (France), Bartosz Kurek (Poland), Tine Urnaut (Slovenia), Yuji Nishida (Japan), Micah Christenson (USA), Nimir Abdel-Aziz (Netherlands)andLuciano De Cecco (Argentina).
Italy - the champions reunite
In the roster of defending championsItalyare the names of11 of the 14 champions from 2022, including middle blockerRoberto Russo, who returns after a break. Also on the list are the stars of this year's VNL final -Simone GiannelliandAlessandro Michieletto, part of the tournament's "Dream Team".
France – Earvin Ngapeth back in action
After missing the VNL, Earvin Ngapeth – MVP of the Olympic Games in Tokyo 2020andParis 2024, is once again part of head coach Andrea Giani's list. The entire squad of the Olympic champions from Paris is also present. The presence of Stephen Boyer's name, the powerful opposite from Tokyo 2021, who also missed the VNL and the Paris Olympics, is also noteworthy.
Poland – VNL champions with a powerful arsenal
World number 1 and champion from the finals in Ningbo, Poland, relies on all key players. LeaderJakub Kochanowski – MVP of VNL 2025 – will lead the team, along withKevin SasakandWilfredo Leon. Also returning to the list isBartosz Kurek, butAleksander Sliwka is still recovering from an injury.
Brazil, Slovenia, and Japan – full mobilization
Brazil includes all 14 players who won bronze in China, including liberoMaique Nascimento, named best in his position.
Slovenia also relies on its full VNL squad, as well as veteransKlemen Cebul, Dejan Vincic(who will officially retire from the national jersey after the end of the championship), Gregor RopretandAlen Pajenk. The captain Tine Urnaut is back with the team after a break.
Japan will probably rely on Yuji Nishida, who recently got married, but is ready to return to play (bravo to his wife for letting him, fans joked in the forums).
More big names on the horizon
Nimir Abdel-Aziz is back in the squad for Netherlands, after the team was relegated from the VNL.
Luciano De Cecco will lead Argentina with his presence.
Mike ChristensenandTaylor Averillwill be key forUSA.
Nicholas HoagandArthur Schwarzwill bring experience toCanada.
Linus WeberandAnton Brehmeare at the heart ofGermany. Our nightmare from 2012Georg Grozeris also on the roster
Petar KrsmanovićstrengthensSerbia.
The World Championship in the Philippines promises to be a real spectacle
The publication of the extended squads for the World Championship marks the beginning of the thrilling countdown to the start of the biggest forum in world men's volleyball. The return of stars like Ngapeth, Kurek, Nishida, and De Cecco not only raises the level of sporting intrigue but also suggests that we can expect a championship with a lot of classic play, emotions, and an unpredictable outcome.
