The Slovenian national team has officially announced its roster for the upcoming World Volleyball Championship. Following France's example, Fabio Soli's squad might travel to Japan for friendlies with 15 players, as Rok Možič's future remains uncertain due to knee problems.

On August 31, the Slovenians will depart for Asia, where they will conduct the final stage of their preparation. The first part will be in Osaka, with two matches against the local first-division team Osaka Blazers Sakai. The second part will take place in Manila, where friendlies against Iran and Argentina are scheduled. The World Championship begins on September 12 in the Philippines, and Slovenia will open its participation a day later with a match against Chile in Group E in theMall of Asiaarena. The Slovenians are also in the group with Germany and Bulgaria, and they will play against the Bulgarians on September 15.

Coach Fabio Soli emphasized at the press conference that the last two weeks of preparation are crucial for the team's final form:
"We will play only four friendlies, and in each, I will use all players. Our strength lies in the collective, not in individuals." The coach thanked Jošt Kržič and Vid Ranc, who are no longer training with the team but helped in the preparation process. The biggest question mark remains Rok Možič, who has not been on the court since the end of the Nations League due to an inflamed knee. According to Soli, his chance of playing at the World Championship is small, but the final decision will be made just before departure for the Philippines.

Captain Tine Urnaut stated that the team's goal is to get into the right game rhythm and think match by match, with the first priority being reaching the quarterfinals. Libero Jani Kovačič added that the fact that the Slovenians are once again not considered favorites for medals only acts as additional motivation. The players also shared how much they are looking forward to the matches in the Philippines, where volleyball is extremely popular, and local fans always welcome them warmly. Urnaut also took the opportunity to congratulate the Slovenian women's national team for qualifying among the top 16 in the world and for their upcoming quarterfinal match against Turkey.

Slovenia's squad for the World Championship

Setters: Gregor Ropret, Nejc Najdič
Opposites: Tonček Štern, Nik Mujanović
Outside Hitters: Tine Urnaut, Žiga Štern, Rok Bračko, Luka Marovt(+ Rok Možič – conditional)
Middle Blockers: Alen Pajenk, Jan Kozamernik, Sašo Štalekar, Janž Janez Kržič
Liberos: Jani Kovačič, Grega Okroglič