Second straight qualification follows breakthrough run with Empowerment support
Qatar return to the FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship in 2025 for just the second time in their history, continuing a steep upward trajectory that has seen them emerge as one of Asia’s fastest-rising teams. After debuting in 2022, they are back on the world stage with greater experience, a stronger record, and growing international support behind them.
They will play in Pool B at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City, facing the Netherlands on 13 September, Poland on 15 September and Romania on 17 September.
This second consecutive qualification is the latest chapter in a breakthrough run that has included podium finishes across multiple competitions. In 2023, Qatar claimed bronze at the Asian Championship – their best result yet – followed by a title win at the 2024 Asian Nations Cup. They also reached the final of the 2023 FIVB Challenger Cup and secured another bronze earlier this year at the AVC Men’s Volleyball Nations Cup.
Coach Camilo Andres Soto has transformed Qatar’s men’s team
Much of this momentum has been supported by the FIVB Volleyball Empowerment programme. In 2025, Qatar received USD 496,000 in targeted support to provide 12 months of coaching for both the men’s and women’s national teams, across indoor and beach volleyball.
Guided by head coach Camilo Andres Soto, Qatar men’s volleyball has made the most of that support, building a cohesive and competitive squad. Among the standout names are outside hitter Wadidie Raimi and middle blocker Belal Abunabot, who played key roles in their 2025 AVC campaign.
The national league are home to clubs like Al Rayyan and Al Arabi, which continues to develop domestic talent while attracting international experience, helping raise the standard across the board.
Qatar has long signalled its ambitions in the sport. It previously hosted the FIVB Men’s Club World Championship and famously recorded a 45–43 set victory over Venezuela in 2017, one of the highest-scoring sets in history. The men’s beach volleyball team has also brought Olympic success, winning bronze in Tokyo through Cherif Younousse and Ahmed Tijan.
With a growing foundation, international guidance and tangible results, Qatar’s return to the World Championship reflects the team’s improved consistency and development over the past three years.
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