Tijana Boskovic prepares to lead Serbia's defense of their world title as the 2025 FIVB Volleyball Women's World Championship introduces radical changes to its format. The tournament, set to begin on August 22 in Thailand, marks the first time the championship will be held every two years instead of four.
"Leading this team through transition while defending our title presents a unique challenge," – Boskovic might say as the two-time MVP looks to guide Serbia to an unprecedented third consecutive world championship.
The competition expands to 32 teams for the first time, with matches spread across four Thai cities – Bangkok, Nakhon Ratchasima, Phuket, and Chiang Mai. This broader field creates more development opportunities for emerging volleyball nations while intensifying the 17-day battle for supremacy.
Serbia enters Pool H in Bangkok alongside Japan, Ukraine, and Cameroon – a challenging group featuring the world number five Japanese squad who claimed bronze at the 2023 Asian Championship and finished fourth in this year's Nations League.
Interestingly, Ukraine returns to the world stage for the first time since their sole appearance in 1994, when they finished ninth. Led by 23-year-old setter Daria Sharhorodska, who was named MVP in this year's European Golden League, the Ukrainians qualified through their impressive world ranking position (16th).
Cameroon rounds out the group, making their fifth appearance after securing bronze at the 2023 African Championship. The world number 44 team has historically struggled at this level, winning just one World Championship match in their previous four appearances.
Pool play runs from August 22-27 before the competition shifts entirely to Bangkok for the elimination rounds, culminating with medal matches on September 7. The top two finishers from each of the eight pools advance to the knockout stage.
Japan brings serious pedigree to the tournament as three-time world champions (1962, 1967, 1974) with additional silver and bronze medals throughout their history. Their Turkish coach Ferhat Akbas will rely on international stars like Nanami Seki and Mayu Ishikawa to challenge for the podium.
Can Serbia overcome their recent form dip – falling to 9th in world rankings after finishing 15th in this year's Nations League – to complete an incredible championship hat-trick? The volleyball world watches with anticipation.
