Poland national team coach Nikola Grbić announced the list of fourteen players who will represent "druzyna polska" at the World Volleyball Championship from September 12 to 28 in the Philippines. There are no major surprises, but one name stands out with its absence - Bartosz Bednorz.
Absentees and Returnees
Bednorz once again misses a major event, after not making the squad for the 2024 Olympics, despite his strong performances. Instead, Artur Szalpuk, who proved himself in the Nations League, was included in the World Cup squad.
Due to injuries, Aleksander Śliwka and Rafał Szymura, who ended their season early, also remained out of contention. The good news for the Poles is the return of captain Bartosz Kurek, as well as the recovery of middle blocker Norbert Huber, whose participation was in doubt until the last minute. Libero Maksymilian Graniczny also overcame his physical problems and will assist Jakub Popiwczak.
New Setters and Young Discovery
Compared to last year, the pair of setters has been completely changed. Instead of Janusz – Łomacz, Marcin Komenda and Jan Firlej will orchestrate the game on the court. Among the middle blockers, the name of the season's big discovery - Jakub Nowak - stands out.
Group and Path to Eliminations
Poland was drawn into Group B along with Romania, Qatar, and the Netherlands. The first match is against the Romanians on September 13, followed by matches against Qatar (September 15) and the Netherlands (September 17).
Two teams from each group advance to the elimination phase, and the Poles will cross paths with the teams from Group G - Japan, Canada, Turkey, and Libya.
Elimination Program:
1/8 Finals: September 20–23
Quarterfinals: September 24–25
Semifinals: September 27
Finals: September 28
Historical Context
In 2022, Poland lost the final to Italy 1:3, missing the chance for a third consecutive title. Bartosz Kurek was then named the best attacker of the championship, and Kamil Semeniuk was among the best receivers. Italy will defend its title in the Philippines, while Brazil then won the bronze.
Poland National Team Squad for the 2025 World Championship
| Position | Player |
|---|---|
| Attackers | Bartosz Kurek, Kevin Sasak |
| Setters | Marcin Komenda, Jan Firlej |
| Outside Hitters | Tomasz Fornal, Wilfredo Leon, Kamil Semeniuk, Artur Szalpuk |
| Middle Blockers | Norbert Huber, Szymon Jakubiszak, Jakub Kochanowski, Jakub Nowak |
| Liberos | Jakub Popiwczak, Maksymilian Granieczny |
Before leaving for Manila, the Polish national team will participate in the traditional Hubert Wagner Memorial tournament, which will take place in Krakow. There, the "white-reds" will compete against Brazil, Argentina, and Serbia.
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Nikola Grbić's team is balanced, with experienced leaders like Kurek and Leon and young talents like Nowak. The biggest risk is the absence of Bednorz, who could have brought more depth in attack. The new setter duo will also be under scrutiny – will they withstand the pressure of the World Championship? The middle blockers look solid, and the presence of two capable liberos provides security in defense.
