Orlando has been selected as one of three cities in the United States as sites for the 2027 women’s volleyball World Cup, the new name for the world championships, the sport’s international governing body announced Thursday.
Read more Florida State-Alabama is delayed again by lightning in Tuscaloosa
The 32-nation tournament will be played in North America for the first time Aug. 20-Sept. 5.
Pool play and round-of-16 matches will be played in Orlando at the Kia Center, and in Omaha, Nebraska, at CHI Health Center Arena.
“Orange County is excited to welcome the world’s best women’s volleyball teams to our community for the 2027 FIVB Women’s World Cup,” Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings said in a news release from the Greater Orlando Sports Commission. “Hosting this prestigious international competition is a tremendous honor and a testament to Orlando’s growing reputation as a premier destination for world-class sports … ”
The volleyball tournament is the latest international sporting event planned for Central Florida. In May, Orlando learned it won its bid to host a portion of the qualifying series for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics Games, joining three other cities in a multi-sport showcase that will determine the last wave of athletes to earn their spots.
The sports involved are 3×3 basketball, beach volleyball, BMX freestyle, climbing, flag football and skateboarding, although it has not yet been announced which events will take place in Orlando.
Orlando also hosted Road to ’26 soccer matches ahead of the World Cup and will be the site of the U.S. men’s national team’s return to international competition with a friendly against Peru on Sept. 26 at Inter.co Stadium.
For the volleyball tournament, the Honda Center in Anaheim, California, will host the quarterfinals, semifinals and final and then serve as the host venue for the men’s and women’s indoor volleyball competition for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
Read more Trump to meet acting Venezuelan President Delcy Rodríguez in New York next week, White House says
Host cities in Canada will be announced later.
In March, FIVB announced the rebranding of the men’s and women’s world championships. The men’s World Cup will be played in Poland. The tournament, previously played once every four years, will now be played every two years.
The tournament is an Olympic qualifier, with the top three national teams not yet qualified for the 2028 Games earning spots.
Sports and entertainment network ION will provide 17 days of coverage, including 19 live matches and 10 hours of studio show coverage. The network also will stream 45 matches.
“Orlando is honored and thrilled to serve as a host city for the 2027 FIVB Women’s World Cup,” Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer said in the news release. “This is an incredible opportunity for our community to welcome some of the best athletes in the world, celebrate women’s sports and showcase Orlando on a global stage.
“We can’t wait to host another premier sporting event at Kia Center and create unforgettable experiences for athletes and fans alike.”
Italy defeated Turkey in five sets to win the 2025 championship in Bangkok, Thailand.
Eighteen of the 32 nations have already qualified for the 2027 tournament. In addition to defending champion Italy and co-hosts Canada and the U.S., Argentina, Brazil, Cameroon, China, Colombia, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Egypt, Japan, Kenya, Poland, Puerto Rico, Serbia, Thailand and Turkey have all qualified.
Read more Winter Springs football coach Tim Dycus resigns 4 games into season