The World Volleyball Federation determined through a draw the groups for the second edition of the U17 Men's World Championship, which will take place from August 19 to 29, 2026, in Doha (Qatar). The competition brings together 24 teams, divided into six groups of four teams, and the new format promises even more competitive battles.
Bulgaria was drawn into one of the toughest and most balanced groups in the tournament – a development that brings both risks and significant potential for growth.
U17 World Championship Groups (2026)
| Group | Teams |
|---|---|
| A | Qatar, Mexico, France, Poland |
| B | Italy, Tunisia, India, Romania |
| C | Argentina, Puerto Rico, Pakistan, Algeria |
| D | Spain, Cuba, Venezuela, Czech Republic |
| E | Iran, Brazil, Bulgaria, Japan |
| F | Chinese Taipei, Egypt, USA, Turkey |
Group E clearly stands out as one of the highest-quality groups in the tournament. Iran and Brazil are traditional powerhouses in youth volleyball, and Japan adds a different style – speed, technique, and discipline. This automatically places Bulgaria in a situation where every point and every set will carry weight.
This is a group where there is no "easy" match. Bulgaria will have to demonstrate flexibility and tactical discipline right from the first match.
The New Format – A Second Chance for the Elimination Stage
The regulations provide some peace of mind:
the first two teams qualify directly
four of the third-placed teams also enter the round of 16
Bulgaria can afford one misstep, but not a drop in performance. The balance between won and lost sets will be crucial.
Bulgaria already has its role in the history of this tournament, having hosted the first edition in 2024. Now, a different challenge lies before the new generation – to establish itself as a competitive factor away from home ground.
Another important aspect cannot be overlooked – hosting in Qatar comes in a region currently subject to geopolitical tension. The hope remains that by the start of the championship, the situation will be completely calm and the tournament will take place under conditions worthy of the young talents.
There is still no clarity on who will lead the U17 national team, after the Bulgarian Volleyball Federation announced a competition for coaches of three age groups, including this one, with the application deadline having expired on March 16 and the decision of the Governing Board awaited.
photos: Nikolay Varadinov
