Chile is a country rarely associated with volleyball. Located on the western coast of South America between the Pacific Ocean and the Andes, it stretches over 4300 km in length and is barely 177 km wide. In this narrow strip of land, all climate zones can be seen – from the Atacama Desert to the ice of Patagonia. The country is popular for its tourist destinations – Easter Island and its mysterious moai, as well as the Colchagua Valley, a world-renowned wine region.
When we talk about sports, football and tennis are traditionally in the spotlight. But in 2025, volleyball in Chile marks a historic return: the national team is participating in a World Championship for the first time in 43 years, with its last appearance dating back to the 1982 World Championship in Argentina, where they finished 23rd.
Five years of focused development
To the general public, Chile's qualification might seem surprising, but for specialists, it is the result of consistent work. In 2020, the Chilean federation secured funding through an FIVB program for coach development. Over five years, more than 200,000 Swiss francs have been invested in training and projects in the country.
The results are visible:
Bronzeat the South American Championship (2019, 2023)
Goldat the South American Games (2022)
Bronzeat the Pan American Cup (2023)
Quarter-finalin the FIVB Challenger Cup (2023)
These achievements lay the foundation for an ambitious participation in the World Championship and prove that Chilean volleyball is now part of the serious conversation in the region.
Group E – against Bulgaria, Slovenia, and Germany
In Manila, the Chileans find themselves in the company of some of the strongest teams in the world – Bulgaria, Slovenia, and Germany. At first glance, this is an insurmountable obstacle, but also an opportunity for the young team to gain invaluable experience by playing against the best.
The head coach is the ArgentinianDaniel Nejamkin, a specialist with many years of work across all age groups in the country. Since 2022, he has been leading Chile's men's national team.
Key figures in the squad:
Vicente Ibarra- an outside hitter, a product of the Club Providencia academy, who played in the Argentine championship for Ciudad Volley, and from the new season - for Portuguese SC Espinho.
Kai Bonacic- an outside hitter, prominent in regional tournaments.
Gabriel Araya- a middle blocker with experience in clubs from Greece, Romania, and Spain.
A volleyball enigma with a future
Chile is a complete underdog in its group, but also an interesting volleyball enigma. The team combines modest experience on the big stage with ambition, consistent work, and a strong new generation. Qualifying for the World Championship is not just a historical achievement, but a clear signal that South America could have a new competitor outside of the traditional powers Brazil and Argentina.
In Manila, the Chileans will be looking for their place in the sun – with zeal, energy, and hope to leave their mark on the big volleyball map.
The material is published on the official website of the Bulgarian Volleyball Federation.
