Team Portugal ready to capitalise on mix of experience and youth

The men’s national team of Portugal is entering a new era, marked by its return to major international competitions. After a strong showing in the European Golden League earlier this summer – where a promising new generation emerged, the team is set to compete in the 2025 World Championship in the Philippines and the CEV EuroVolley 2026, where they will be aiming to solidify their ever improving global standing.

Portugal will be making their third appearance at the World Championship after a 23-year absence, directly qualifying for the event due to its FIVB World Ranking. The tournament will take place from September 12 to 28 in Manila, the Philippines. The preparation for the FIVB World Championship begins on July 28 in Viana do Castelo.

The team, led by head coach João José, features in Pool D for the World Championship. They will face Cuba on September 13, the USA two days later, and Colombia on September 17. The goal is to finish among the top two in the group to advance to the knockout stages in the new 32-team format.

The CEV European Golden League 2025, although not ending in qualification for the Final Four, was crucial for integrating young talents into the main squad. Players like José Pedro Pinto, Nuno Marques, Bruno Dias, and André Pereira demonstrated significant growth and maturity, thereby confirming the team’s successful investment in youth.

Portugal’s consistent performance is further highlighted by the direct qualification for the CEV EuroVolley 2026, marking their eighth overall and fourth consecutive appearance. This direct qualification is a testament to Portugal’s 10th place finish in the 2023 edition. The EuroVolley 2026 will be co-hosted by Italy, Bulgaria, Finland, and Romania.

With the experience gained from the World Championship and the promising foundation of young players emerging from the Golden League, the Portuguese team is optimistic about its future on the international stage.

Coaching Staff
Head Coach: João José
Assistant Coach: Manuel Silva
Assistant Coach: Ricardo Lemos
Physiotherapist: Hélder Vasco

Players listed by club of affiliation
AA Espinho: Rafael Pinto
Castêlo da Maia GC: Guilherme Menezes
Leixões SC: André Pereira, Rafael Santos
SC Espinho: José Pedro Andrade
SL Benfica: Tiago Violas, Ivo Casas
Sporting CP: Gonçalo Sousa, Kelton Tavares
Vitória SC: Manuel Figueiredo
CV San Roque Batán (Spain): José Pinto
Nice Volley-Ball (France): Bruno Dias
St. Nazaire VB Atlantique (France): Lourenço Martins
Helios Grizzlys Giesen (Germany): Miguel Sinfrónio
Tokyo Great Bears (Japan): Alexandre Ferreira
Nova Technology Lycurgus BV (Netherlands): Nuno Marques
Aluron CMC Warta Zawiercie (Poland): Miguel Tavares Rodrigues
SC Municipal Zalau (Romania): Filip Cveticanin