Volleyball is in the middle of a strategic transformation. The FIVB's Strategic Vision 2032 is driving changes designed to make the sport clearer, faster, and more globally accessible. 2026 sees several key elements of this vision come into effect, from rule changes to competition structures to coaching requirements.
Here are the six biggest changes coming to volleyball in 2026.
1. FIVB Strategic Vision 2032 Takes Shape
The FIVB has unveiled a comprehensive plan to transform volleyball by 2032. This isn't just about rule changes - it encompasses global accessibility, clarity, and impact. The goal is to make volleyball one of the world's most-watched and most-played sports.
All rule changes and structural developments connect to this vision. Understanding the "why" behind changes helps coaches adapt more effectively.
Big picture: Volleyball is positioning itself for growth. This means more resources, more attention, and more opportunity for coaches and players at all levels. Engage with the sport's development, not just your own teams.
2. No More Mid-Rally Challenges
One of the most impactful rule changes: teams can no longer request video challenges during a rally. Challenges can only be made after the rally concludes.
This eliminates the tactic of stopping play to disrupt opposition momentum or give your team a breather. Rallies will flow without interruption, making the game faster and more continuous.
Tactical adjustment: Teams can no longer use challenges as de facto timeouts. If you want to break momentum, you need to use actual timeouts strategically. Prepare your players for longer, uninterrupted sequences of play.
3. Serving Team Position Freedom (Proposed)
A proposed change to Rule 7.4 would allow members of the serving team to occupy any position they like at the moment of service contact - eliminating the overlap fault for the serving side. The receiving team would still need to maintain rotational order.
If adopted, this opens significant tactical possibilities. Serving teams could position their best blockers or hitters in optimal positions regardless of rotation, while receivers must still work within positional constraints.
Coaching preparation: Even if this rule isn't finalised, understanding its implications helps. Think about what your team could do with complete positional freedom on serve. These concepts may influence tactics even under current rules.
4. VNL Expansion to 18 Teams - Belgium Debuts
The Volleyball Nations League expands to 18 teams in 2026, with Belgium making their debut. The previous core and challenger team structure is abolished, replaced by promotion and relegation based on finishing positions.
Each season, the bottom team in the VNL is relegated, and the highest-ranked team not already in the league takes their place. This creates meaningful consequences throughout the standings.
For coaches, expanded competition means more high-level volleyball to watch and learn from. It also creates more pathways for players to reach elite international competition.
5. Female Coach Requirement on Match Rosters
The FIVB Board has approved a requirement for all female national teams at VNL 2026 and Age Group World Championships to have at least one female coach registered on the match roster.
This is a significant step toward gender balance in coaching. It creates opportunities for female coaches to gain experience at the highest level and ensures female players have female coaching representation.
Development pathway: If you're a female coach, or you coach female players who might become coaches, understand that pathways are opening. Engage with coaching education and pursue opportunities - the sport is actively creating space for female coaches.
6. U17 Roster Expansion to 14 Players
From the U17 World Championship 2026, team rosters expand from 12 to 14 players. This aligns with evolving competition demands and gives coaches more flexibility in squad selection.
More roster spots mean more young players get international experience. It also allows coaches to bring specialist players who might have been squeezed out of 12-player lists.
Youth development: This expansion benefits youth volleyball broadly. More players experiencing high-level competition means more developed players returning to domestic programs. The talent pool deepens.
What This Means for Sportplan Coaches
Volleyball's strategic transformation creates opportunity at every level. The FIVB's vision is ambitious - making volleyball one of the world's most accessible and popular sports. If successful, this means more players, more resources, and more demand for quality coaching.
At Sportplan, we're aligning our volleyball resources with FIVB's direction. Challenge-free rally management, serving tactics under new rules, and youth development frameworks are all areas we're developing for 2026.
Be part of volleyball's growth story. Here's to a transformative 2026!
