Synopsis

The Men's Volleyball World Championship is the oldest and most important of all the international events organised by the FIVB.  Along with the Olympic Games it also represents the most prestigious tournament in Volleyball.

The World Championships is the most comprehensive of all Volleyball events since all FIVB federations take part in the qualifying rounds of the next event in 2010 which is already set to become the most successful World Championships in FIVB history. 

A record breaking number of 214 national teams registered for the qualifying rounds of the next event in 2010 which is already set to become the most successful World Championships in FIVB history.

The World Championships is a competition for national teams which began in 1949 in Prague and now takes place every 4 years.  Qualification procedures for the World Championships finals last over two years; host nation and defending champions are always pre-qualified.

The next Men's World Championships will take place in Italy across ten cities from 23rd September to 10th October 2010.

Date:23 Sep-10 Oct 2010

Coverage:Teams:
22 teams accede through qualifying rounds + host team + defending champion.

Format:
1st Round: 6 pools x 4 teams/4th placed teams leave the competition.
2nd Round: 6 pools x 3 teams/3rd placed teams leave the competition.
3rd Round: 4 pools x 3 teams/1st placed teams will play for 1st-4th, 2nd placed teams will play for
5th-8th, 3rd placed teams will play for 9th-12th.

Semi-Finals

Finals

Ranking:
Teams ranked between 3rd and 6th in the Second Round pools compete in play-offs semi-finals and finals for 3rd to 12th place.

Total:
78 matches

Duration:Various LIVE and highlight programmes

Rights:All media rights

Territories:Worldwide