Volleyball News
Portugal`s men`s national volleyball team is embarking on a significant new chapter, re-entering major international tournaments. Following a strong performance in the European Golden League this summer, which showcased a promising new generation, the team is now poised to compete in the 2025 World Championship in the Philippines and CEV EuroVolley 2026, aiming to solidify its growing global presence.
Team Portugal blends experience with youth ahead of their first World Championship in 23 years.
After a 23-year hiatus, Portugal is set to make its third World Championship appearance, having directly qualified based on its FIVB World Ranking. The tournament will be held in Manila, Philippines, from September 12 to 28, with preparations commencing on July 28 in Viana do Castelo.
Under head coach João José, the team has been drawn into Pool D for the World Championship, where they will compete against Cuba (September 13), the USA (September 15), and Colombia (September 17). Their objective is to secure a top-two finish in the group to progress to the knockout rounds of the expanded 32-team format.
Setter Bruno Dias, a standout young talent from the European Golden League.
While Portugal did not reach the Final Four of the CEV European Golden League 2025, the tournament proved vital for integrating promising young players into the senior team. Talents such as José Pedro Pinto, Nuno Marques, Bruno Dias, and André Pereira exhibited notable development and maturity, validating the team`s commitment to nurturing new talent.
Further underscoring their consistent performance, Portugal has also directly qualified for CEV EuroVolley 2026 – their eighth overall and fourth consecutive appearance – a direct result of their 10th-place finish in the 2023 edition. EuroVolley 2026 will be co-hosted by Italy, Bulgaria, Finland, and Romania.
Leveraging the experience from the World Championship and the solid base of young talent emerging from the Golden League, the Portuguese team approaches its international future with optimism.
Portugal has also secured qualification for next year`s EuroVolley.
Coaching Staff
- Head Coach: João José
- Assistant Coach: Manuel Silva
- Assistant Coach: Ricardo Lemos
- Physiotherapist: Hélder Vasco
Players listed by club affiliation
- AA Espinho: Rafael Pinto
- Castêlo da Maia GC: Guilherme Menezes
- Leixões SC: André Pereira, Rafael Santos
- SC Espinho: José Pedro Andrade
- SL Benfica: Tiago Violas, Ivo Casas
- Sporting CP: Gonçalo Sousa, Kelton Tavares
- Vitória SC: Manuel Figueiredo
- CV San Roque Batán (Spain): José Pinto
- Nice Volley-Ball (France): Bruno Dias
- St. Nazaire VB Atlantique (France): Lourenço Martins
- Helios Grizzlys Giesen (Germany): Miguel Sinfrónio
- Tokyo Great Bears (Japan): Alexandre Ferreira
- Nova Technology Lycurgus BV (Netherlands): Nuno Marques
- Aluron CMC Warta Zawiercie (Poland): Miguel Tavares Rodrigues
- SC Municipal Zalau (Romania): Filip Cveticanin
