Top 10 best volleyball countries: the best volleyball nations and their legacy

Volleyball is among the most popular sports, followed by millions worldwide. The best volleyball countries have established structures to support its development from grassroots to international stages. They have produced some of the best players and excellent teams through their investments.

The sport involves two teams of six players, separated by a net. The aim is to score points by grounding a ball on the other team's court. This article outlines the top 10 best volleyball countries and their achievements.

How many countries play volleyball?

FIVB controls the sport in over 200 nations that cherish the sport. The FIVB Volleyball World Cup is the highest competition in the sport. It comprises men's and women's tournaments. The origin of volleyball dates back to 1895 in Massachusetts, USA, founded by American William G. Morgan. The sport has evolved since then and spread to many territories. The FIVB (The International Volleyball Federation) governs the game's operations globally.

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What countries have the best volleyball teams?

The most prosperous nations in the sport include Brazil, the United States, Russia, China, and Poland. Their men's and women's teams have established a lasting legacy in the sport by dominating their competitions. So, which country is volleyball the most popular sport? Here is a breakdown of the best FIVB nations.

10. Germany

Germany has excelled more in beach volleyball. It is among the best beach volleyball countries, alongside Brazil, the United States and Italy. Germany has the most World Championship beach volleyball medals (five). The men's national beach team won gold at the 2012 Olympics Games, while the women's side won at the 2016 Olympics. The country has also collected two World Championship medals in indoor tournaments.

9. Netherlands

The Netherlands is an excellent country for volleyball players and fans. Most Dutch enjoy indoor events in most parts of the country. The sport is also prominent on the beaches, including at the Dutch Caribbean places like Aruba and Sint Maarten. The Netherlands secured a gold medal at the 2022 World Beach Pro Tour.

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8. Poland

Volleyball is among the most popular sports in Poland. The men's team has won a gold medal at the Olympic Games and three gold medals at World Championships. The women's team has only managed two bronze medals at the Olympic Games.

Poland has multiple leagues and tournaments where teams compete for glory. The most popular competitions include PlusLiga, Polish Cup, Polish SuperCup, and the TAURON Liga.

7. Cuba

The sport was introduced to the Cuban Christians in 1905. Cuba became one of the best female volleyball countries in the 1970s and 1990s, winning eight championships consecutively. The national team won gold medals at the World Cup, World Grand Champions, World League, and Challenger Cup. The country also has 15 NORCECA Championships, two silver and two bronze medals at the World Championship.

6. Italy

The sport began in Italy around World War I. Today, the country has multiple volleyball organisations with different levels, from regional to national. The highest level is called SuperLega. Their men's and women's teams ruled the world in the early 1990s and 2000s, winning European and world championships.

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5. Japan

Japan is one of the best countries in Asia for volleyball players. The local media has helped to market and popularise the sport among the Japanese. Many people learn and play the sport in schools, universities, streets, and domestic leagues. It is also one of the origins of volleyball anime.

The national teams have enjoyed considerable success in international competitions. The women's team won gold at the 1962 and 1967 World Championships but took silver in 1974. The men's side won bronze at the inaugural 1964 Olympics in Tokyo and silver in Munich in 1972. They finished second in the 1969 World Cup.

4. China

China is the best volleyball country in Asia. Their men's and women's national teams are more successful than other sports teams in the country. The women's team is the most popular, making China one of the best women's volleyball countries. The team has six Olympic medals, including three golds and two World Championship titles.

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In the beach category, China's women's national team has two Olympic medals and four World Championships. Many Chinese play the sport in colleges and streets.

3. United States

Volleyball was invented in the United States and later became the founding member of the FIVB in 1920. Team USA has dominated several competitions across all categories. They are among the best men's volleyball countries, with three gold medals, while their women's counterparts have four.

The women's indoor team bagged multiple silver medals before winning their first Olympic gold at the 2020 Toyko Games. The men's side has three gold medals. The state of Massachusetts is home to the International Volleyball Hall of Fame.

2. Russia

Russia's strong volleyball culture originated from the Soviet Top League in 1993, which later became the Russian Volleyball Super League in 1992. The country's national teams have experienced success on international fronts. The men's team has bagged four Olympic gold medals, six FIVB World Championship golds, and six World Cup Championships.

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The sport is less prevalent in the country than some sports, but Russia still has impressive volleyball teams. Their women's side has four Olympic gold medals and seven World Championships.

1. Brazil

The sport is generally played among men and women in Brazil. It is popular at a recreational level, especially in the coastal areas. The sport has spread and grown in the country since the 1980s. Their men's and women's national teams consistently rank among the best globally.

Brazil's men's team has three Olympic gold medals, three World Cup Championships, and three FIVB World Championships. The women's side has earned two Olympic gold medals, four silvers at World Championships, and three silvers at the World Cup.

Best beach volleyball countries

The idea of playing on the beach began in the United States of America during the 19th century. Most people played for entertainment during the hot summer. Today, many countries have embraced it and have been inducted into the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta.

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FIVB also organises annual world championships for beach events. Brazil, the United States, Germany, and Italy are the best nations in the beach arena.

Which country has the best volleyball league?

Many countries have national volleyball leagues, but only a few are competitive and attractive to watch. The Italian Superlega tops the list based on the level of competition, revenue generated, quality of players and matches. Russia's V. Super League comes second, followed by Brazil's Super League. Here is a list of the top 10 best leagues you will enjoy watching.

Best volleyball countries ranking

Poland tops the men's volleyball world ranking in 2023, followed by the United States and Italy. Turkey leads in the women's category, followed by the United States and Italy. Here is a breakdown of the latest top-five ranking table from top to bottom as of August 2023.

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Learning from the best volleyball countries will help you understand the game and increase your experience. Their playing style and culture have allowed their teams and players to flourish. You can also plan and visit one of the nations to enjoy the sport.

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