The website of the International Volleyball Federation (FIVB) published a special article dedicated to our national team. It highlights Bulgarian traditions in this sport, the ambition to return among the medalists, and the role of the new generation in building a stable future.
History and ranking
Bulgaria is a respected volleyball nation, with a rich track record:
Silver medal from the 1970 World Championship.
Bronze medal from the 2006 World Championship.
Today, the 'Lions' are 15th in the FIVB world ranking and will participate for the 20th time in a World Championship, having secured a quota as the eighth best-ranked unqualified team.
Transition and a new beginning
In recent years, the team has been undergoing a generational change. Experienced figures like Tsvetan Sokolov are no longer part of the national squad, and their place is being taken by young and ambitious talents.
To accelerate the process, the Bulgarian Volleyball Federation utilized the support of the FIVB Volleyball Empowerment program, through which 84,000 Swiss francs were invested in the coaching support project. Thus, in 2024, Italian specialist Gianlorenzo Blengini took charge of the team.
He is known for his methodical style and technical precision. His career includes three Serie A1 titles, two Italian Cup trophies, Olympic silver from Rio 2016, and European gold with Italy.
Group stage matches
| Date | Opponent | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| September 13 | Germany | SM Mall of Asia Arena, Manila |
| September 15 | Slovenia (seeded No. 1 in the group) | SM Mall of Asia Arena, Manila |
| September 17 | Chile | SM Mall of Asia Arena, Manila |
The draw is not easy – especially against Slovenia, who are leaders in the group. Germany is traditionally an inconvenient opponent, and Chile seems like the most acceptable task. However, every match will be a test for Bulgaria's young squad.
Positives from the Nations League
The national team entered the World Championship with confidence, having finished 11th out of 18 teams in VNL 2025. Victories over Germany, Japan, semi-finalist Slovenia, and champion Poland showed that the team can challenge the strongest.
The New Generation
In the spotlight are brothers Aleksandar and Simeon Nikolov:
Aleksandar (21), outside hitter – fourth best scorer in VNL 2025, impresses with athleticism and game maturity.
Simeon (18), setter – a starting playmaker with creativity and composure, atypical for his age.
Support is also provided by experienced players like captain Alex Grozdanov, who is a leader at the net.
Conclusion
FIVB sees the Bulgarian team not just as a participant in World Championship 2025, but as a project with a long-term vision. With a combination of young talents, experienced leaders, and international support, the national team is embarking on a path to restore its glorious positions.
photos: FIVB
