The world of men`s volleyball is currently witnessing a fascinating transformation, with several nations challenging the traditional titans. Among them, Slovenia stands out – a team that has meticulously built its foundation, brick by painstaking brick, and is now poised to etch its name into the annals of the FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship. As the prestigious tournament approaches, set to unfold in the vibrant arenas of the Philippines from September 12 to 28, all eyes will be on Slovenia, a squad aiming not just to participate, but to claim a long-coveted place on the podium.
The Architect of Ambition: FIVB Empowerment and a Decade of Dedication
Slovenia`s journey to the sport`s elite hasn`t been a sudden sprint but a calculated marathon. Their first World Championship appearance in 2018 saw them finish a respectable 12th. However, it was their electrifying run to the semifinals in 2022, where they eventually succumbed to the formidable Italians before a hard-fought bronze medal match loss to Brazil, that truly announced their arrival. This wasn`t merely a flash in the pan; it was the tangible outcome of a strategic investment.
Since 2019, Slovenia has been a significant beneficiary of the FIVB Volleyball Empowerment program, receiving a substantial CHF 1.278 million. This isn`t just a number on a ledger; it`s the lifeblood that has funded crucial long-term coaching initiatives, fueled athlete development from grassroots to professional ranks, and fundamentally enhanced their performance environment. The results speak volumes: consistent presence in the Volleyball Nations League (VNL) semifinals in 2021, 2024, and 2025, a top-eight finish in 2023, and perhaps most notably, a historic qualification and commendable fifth-place finish at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. Indeed, if success has a blueprint, Slovenia has been diligently following it.
The Italian Maestro: Fabio Soli`s Strategic Chess Match
Building on the robust foundations laid by former coach Gheorghe Crețu, the reins are now firmly in the hands of Italian head coach Fabio Soli. Soli`s debut VNL 2025 campaign offered a tantalizing glimpse of his vision. Under his guidance, Slovenia stunned the reigning Olympic champions, France, with a commanding 3-1 victory in the quarterfinals. While subsequent losses to Italy and Brazil in the semifinals and bronze medal match respectively placed them fourth, the experience was invaluable. Soli, no stranger to high-stakes contests with a CEV Champions League gold medal and an Italian Serie A1 title from his club career, brings an international acumen Slovenia is betting on to finally convert their “almost there” moments into definitive podium finishes. It`s a subtle art, turning consistent deep runs into shiny metal, and Soli is expected to be the artist.
The Manila Gauntlet: Navigating Pool E
The road to glory at the World Championship is fraught with challenges, starting with the group stage. Slovenia finds itself in Pool E, alongside Germany, Bulgaria, and Chile. Their campaign kicks off against Chile on September 13, followed by a clash with Bulgaria on September 15, and concluding the pool phase against Germany on September 17. All these pivotal encounters will unfold at the iconic SM Mall of Asia Arena in Manila.
Currently ranked seventh in the FIVB World Rankings and having qualified as bronze medalists from the 2023 CEV European Championship, Slovenia enters their group as the undisputed favorites. However, history teaches caution. Soli will undoubtedly be wary of Bulgaria, a team that handed them a 3-1 defeat in VNL 2025, proving that rankings are merely a guide, not a guarantee. The unpredictable Germans, just one spot below Slovenia in the rankings, also pose a significant threat. Being the favorite can sometimes carry a heavier burden than being an underdog; the expectation alone can be a formidable opponent.
The Ensemble: Experience, Youth, and Unwavering Resolve
To conquer these challenges, Soli has meticulously assembled a squad that blends seasoned experience with dynamic youthful talent. Recognizing the indispensable value of veteran leadership in high-pressure tournaments, he has wisely recalled long-serving captain Tine Urnaut and powerful outside hitter Klemen Cebulj, who were absent from the VNL 2025 squad. Thirty-six-year-old Gregor Ropret also makes a return, expected to share setting duties with the impressive Uros Planinsic.
The team`s backbone includes Jan Kozamernik, the towering 204cm middle blocker who earned a spot on the VNL 2025 Dream Team – a testament to his exceptional form. The attacking prowess will be spearheaded by Tonecek Stern and the exciting rising talent Nik Mujanovic, while Ziga Stern and libero Jani Kovacic will anchor the crucial reception and defense. This carefully curated mix of skill, experience, and youthful vigor provides Soli with a formidable arsenal, capable of finally reaching that elusive World Championship podium.
Slovenia`s odyssey in men`s volleyball is a compelling narrative of perseverance, strategic investment, and relentless ambition. From being a promising contender to a legitimate medal threat, their journey culminates in Manila. The pieces are in place, the coaching is astute, and the players are hungry. The question remains: can Slovenia transform their consistently impressive performances into the ultimate prize and bring home a World Championship medal? The volleyball world eagerly awaits to see if this is indeed their moment.
Marcus Blakely