The international volleyball federation FIVB dedicated serious attention to the Bulgarian men's national team before the start of the 2026 Volleyball Nations League. In an extensive article on its official website, the federation traces the rise of the "Lions" and clearly emphasizes that the team is now moving beyond the role of a participant and becoming a real factor on the world stage.
Bulgaria will record its eighth consecutive participation in the VNL – a tournament in which the national team has been a constant presence since its inception in 2018. To date, the team has not reached the final phase, but according to FIVB's analysis, it is the last season that has entirely changed the team's prospects.
The key moment is the performance at the 2025 World Championship in the Philippines. Bulgaria played a tournament that brought the team back among the best in the world and finished with silver medals.

Bulgaria's path at World Championship 2025:

Group stage:

• Bulgaria – Germany 3:0 (25:19, 25:19, 25:20)

• Bulgaria – Chile 3:0 (25:18, 25:21, 25:17)

• Bulgaria – Slovenia 3:2 (22:25, 23:25, 25:19, 25:22, 15:12)

Knockout stage:

• Bulgaria – Portugal 3:0 (25:20, 25:18, 25:22)

• Bulgaria – USA 3:2 (20:25, 18:25, 25:21, 25:23, 15:13)

• Bulgaria – Czech Republic 3:1 (25:21, 23:25, 25:20, 25:18)

Final:

• Bulgaria – Italy 1:3 (22:25, 25:23, 19:25, 21:25)

The victory over the Czech Republic led Bulgaria to its first World Championship final since 1970, and the silver medal is the country's first award since 2006 – a fact that FIVB highlights as proof of the team's significant progress.
The article also emphasizes the long-term development of Bulgarian volleyball, supported by the FIVB Volleyball Empowerment program. The global federation has invested 167,000 US dollars in equipment, including professional court surfaces, as well as 84,000 Swiss francs for coaching support.
Head coach Gianlorenzo Blengini, who took over the team in 2024, is highlighted as a key figure. The Italian specialist has built a more structured and balanced squad, combining discipline, organization, and technical development.

FIVB also pays special attention to the leading players. Captain Alex Grozdanov, as well as Aleksandar Nikolov, who were included in the World Championship's Dream Team, are among the main figures. The connection between Nikolov and setter Simeon Nikolov shapes the Bulgarian attack, while stability in reception and defensive play complete the overall balance.

Also notable in the squad are Martin Atanasov with his reliable reception and libero Damyan Kolev, who plays a key role with his crucial digs in defense.

The versatility of Asparuh Asparuhov and Georgi Tatarov also provides additional offensive options.

Bulgaria will start its participation in VNL 2026 in Brazil (June 10–14) with matches against Belgium, Iran, Argentina, and Serbia. After that, the program continues in Ljubljana (June 24–28) against Italy, Slovenia, Canada, and Ukraine, and the last week is in Chicago (July 15–20), where opponents will be Poland, China, USA, and France.
Currently, Bulgaria holds ninth place in the world rankings and enters the tournament with growing expectations. Besides the VNL results, the team will also look towards the European Championship, which is crucial for qualification for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games.
In conclusion, FIVB emphasizes that Bulgaria is no longer just a participant in the tournament. With its talented generation, experienced coach, and stable international support, the team enters VNL 2026 with the ambition to reach the final phase and establish itself as a permanent contender on the world stage.

photos: Nikolay Varadinov