Volleyball World Cup
Encyclopedia
The FIVB World Cup is a men's and women's volleyball
competition. Created in 1965 (men) and 1973 (women), it is an international qualification event for the Olympic Games
. It is not to be confused with the FIVB World Championship or the FIVB World League/FIVB World Grand Prix.
and the World Championship, which take place in alternating 4-year cycles. The establishment of a third international competition would leave only one in every four years with no major events.
The World Cup was to be held in the year following the Olympic Games. The first two tournaments were for men's volleyball only; in 1973, a women's tournament was also introduced. Originally, each tournament had a different host, but in 1977 the competition was transferred to Japan
on a permanent basis.
In the 1990s, the installment of annual international events such as the World League and the Grand Prix made the original motivations for the creation of the World Cup obsolete. Instead of letting a consolidated event disappear for lack of interest, the FIVB decided to change its format in 1991: it would be held in the year preceding, and not following, the Olympic Games; and it would be considered a first international Olympic qualification tournament, granting the winner a direct berth in the games.
This move saved the competition. The possibility of securing an early berth for the Olympic Games, thus avoiding extraneous and in some cases tight continental qualification procedures, became a consistent motivation for the national federations to participate in the World Cup. In 1995, the number of Olympic spots granted at the competition was increased to three, as it remains up to now (2011).
Scheduled for Uruguay
, the men's events of the 1973 edition were cancelled. In 1977, competition was resumed in Japan, and the USSR came back for two wins in a row. In 1985, they were once again runner-ups, but lost the decisive match to USA
in five sets. In 1989, Cuba
surprised the world and beat a rising Italy
to take the gold.
With the competition now set as a qualifying event for the Olympic Games
, Soviet Union, led by Dmitri Fomin won the title in 1991, at the brink of dissolution. The Italians
, who hadn't participated in this edition, finally conquered their gold medal in 1995.
Inheriting a large part of the former Soviet volleyball programme, Russia
was the winner in 1999. In the following two editions, played in 2003 and 2007 respectively, were won by favorite Brazil
.
and China
.
The first edition of the tournament was won by the Soviet Union. Japan
, the runner-up of 1973, took the gold in 1977. With the help of superstar player Lang Ping
, China
won the following two editions, in 1981 and 1985.
Then Cuba
stepped forward to begin its amazing World Cup career, winning its first title in 1989. With the tournament now as an Olympic qualifier, there followed three more consecutive victories, in 1991, 1995 and 1999.
China
came back in 2003 with a remarkably offensive team to win its third title.
Finally Italy
won the 2007 edition with an outstanding record of eleven wins in eleven games and only two sets left to the opponents (both lost against Serbia
). Italy took a second win in a row in 2011, getting the better hand on United States and China.
Volleyball
Volleyball is a team sport in which two teams of six players are separated by a net. Each team tries to score points by grounding a ball on the other team's court under organized rules.The complete rules are extensive...
competition. Created in 1965 (men) and 1973 (women), it is an international qualification event for the Olympic Games
Olympic Games
The Olympic Games is a major international event featuring summer and winter sports, in which thousands of athletes participate in a variety of competitions. The Olympic Games have come to be regarded as the world’s foremost sports competition where more than 200 nations participate...
. It is not to be confused with the FIVB World Championship or the FIVB World League/FIVB World Grand Prix.
Origins
The World Cup was created in 1965 with the purpose of partially filling the gap between the two most important volleyball tournaments, the Olympic GamesVolleyball at the Summer Olympics
Volleyball has been contested as an indoor sport at the Summer Olympic Games since 1964. Beach volleyball was introduced at the 1992 Games, and has been an official Olympic sport since 1996.-Origins:...
and the World Championship, which take place in alternating 4-year cycles. The establishment of a third international competition would leave only one in every four years with no major events.
The World Cup was to be held in the year following the Olympic Games. The first two tournaments were for men's volleyball only; in 1973, a women's tournament was also introduced. Originally, each tournament had a different host, but in 1977 the competition was transferred to Japan
Japan
Japan is an island nation in East Asia. Located in the Pacific Ocean, it lies to the east of the Sea of Japan, China, North Korea, South Korea and Russia, stretching from the Sea of Okhotsk in the north to the East China Sea and Taiwan in the south...
on a permanent basis.
In the 1990s, the installment of annual international events such as the World League and the Grand Prix made the original motivations for the creation of the World Cup obsolete. Instead of letting a consolidated event disappear for lack of interest, the FIVB decided to change its format in 1991: it would be held in the year preceding, and not following, the Olympic Games; and it would be considered a first international Olympic qualification tournament, granting the winner a direct berth in the games.
This move saved the competition. The possibility of securing an early berth for the Olympic Games, thus avoiding extraneous and in some cases tight continental qualification procedures, became a consistent motivation for the national federations to participate in the World Cup. In 1995, the number of Olympic spots granted at the competition was increased to three, as it remains up to now (2011).
Winners (Men)
Former Soviet Union and Brazil (2007) managed to win the Men's World Cup more than once. The Soviets took the gold at the opening edition of the tournament, in 1965. Four years later, the winner was also a socialist nation, East Germany. Brazil's team won consecutively 2003 and 2007.Scheduled for Uruguay
Uruguay
Uruguay ,officially the Oriental Republic of Uruguay,sometimes the Eastern Republic of Uruguay; ) is a country in the southeastern part of South America. It is home to some 3.5 million people, of whom 1.8 million live in the capital Montevideo and its metropolitan area...
, the men's events of the 1973 edition were cancelled. In 1977, competition was resumed in Japan, and the USSR came back for two wins in a row. In 1985, they were once again runner-ups, but lost the decisive match to USA
United States men's national volleyball team
The United States men's national volleyball team is the national team for the United States of America, it is governed by USA Volleyball....
in five sets. In 1989, Cuba
Cuba men's national volleyball team
The Cuba men's national volleyball team is the national team of Cuba.-Team:Team for the Volleyball World League 2010.Coach : Orlando Samuels -Achievements:*Volleyball World Championship ...
surprised the world and beat a rising Italy
Italy men's national volleyball team
The Italy men's national volleyball team is the volleyball national team of Italy. It dominated international volleyball competitions in the 1990s and early 2000s, by winning three World Championships in a row , six European Championships, one World Cup and eight World League The Italy men's...
to take the gold.
With the competition now set as a qualifying event for the Olympic Games
Olympic Games
The Olympic Games is a major international event featuring summer and winter sports, in which thousands of athletes participate in a variety of competitions. The Olympic Games have come to be regarded as the world’s foremost sports competition where more than 200 nations participate...
, Soviet Union, led by Dmitri Fomin won the title in 1991, at the brink of dissolution. The Italians
Italy men's national volleyball team
The Italy men's national volleyball team is the volleyball national team of Italy. It dominated international volleyball competitions in the 1990s and early 2000s, by winning three World Championships in a row , six European Championships, one World Cup and eight World League The Italy men's...
, who hadn't participated in this edition, finally conquered their gold medal in 1995.
Inheriting a large part of the former Soviet volleyball programme, Russia
Russia men's national volleyball team
The Russia men's national volleyball team is the national team of Russia...
was the winner in 1999. In the following two editions, played in 2003 and 2007 respectively, were won by favorite Brazil
Brazil men's national volleyball team
The Brazil men's national volleyball team is the national team of Brazil. It is governed by the Confederação Brasileira de Voleibol and takes part in international volleyball competitions...
.
Winners (Women)
The Women's World Cup has had not one great winner, like its counterpart for men's volleyball, but two: CubaCuba women's national volleyball team
The Cuba women's national volleyball team is the national team of Cuba.Cuba women's national volleyball team was the first team to break the USSR's and Japan's domination in the world women's volleyball by winning the 1978 World Women's Volleyball Championship.Cuba women's national volleyball team...
and China
China women's national volleyball team
The China women's national volleyball team represents the People's Republic of China in international volleyball competitions and friendly matches. It's one of the leading squads in women's international volleyball, twice having won the Olympic title .China took five consecutive World titles in...
.
The first edition of the tournament was won by the Soviet Union. Japan
Japan women's national volleyball team
The Japan women's national volleyball team, or All-Japan women's volleyball team, is the volleyball national team of Japan, currently ranked 3rd by the FIVB...
, the runner-up of 1973, took the gold in 1977. With the help of superstar player Lang Ping
Lang Ping
MedalGold MedalGold MedalGold (1982 World Championship 1982 Perú"Jenny" Lang Ping , is a former Chinese volleyball player and the former head coach of the U.S. women's national volleyball team. Her nickname is the "Iron Hammer"....
, China
China women's national volleyball team
The China women's national volleyball team represents the People's Republic of China in international volleyball competitions and friendly matches. It's one of the leading squads in women's international volleyball, twice having won the Olympic title .China took five consecutive World titles in...
won the following two editions, in 1981 and 1985.
Then Cuba
Cuba women's national volleyball team
The Cuba women's national volleyball team is the national team of Cuba.Cuba women's national volleyball team was the first team to break the USSR's and Japan's domination in the world women's volleyball by winning the 1978 World Women's Volleyball Championship.Cuba women's national volleyball team...
stepped forward to begin its amazing World Cup career, winning its first title in 1989. With the tournament now as an Olympic qualifier, there followed three more consecutive victories, in 1991, 1995 and 1999.
China
China women's national volleyball team
The China women's national volleyball team represents the People's Republic of China in international volleyball competitions and friendly matches. It's one of the leading squads in women's international volleyball, twice having won the Olympic title .China took five consecutive World titles in...
came back in 2003 with a remarkably offensive team to win its third title.
Finally Italy
Italy women's national volleyball team
The Italy women's national volleyball team is the national team of Italy that takes part in international volleyball competitions. It is governed by the Federazione Italiana di Pallavolo...
won the 2007 edition with an outstanding record of eleven wins in eleven games and only two sets left to the opponents (both lost against Serbia
Serbia women's national volleyball team
The Serbia women's national volleyball team is the national team of Serbia. It is governed by the Volleyball Federation of Serbia and takes part in international volleyball competitions....
). Italy took a second win in a row in 2011, getting the better hand on United States and China.
Competition formula
The World Cup is the most stable from all competition formulas employed by the FIVB. The following rules apply:- The competition takes place in Japan.
- Twelve teams participate in each event: ten qualified, two per invitation.
- JapanJapanJapan is an island nation in East Asia. Located in the Pacific Ocean, it lies to the east of the Sea of Japan, China, North Korea, South Korea and Russia, stretching from the Sea of Okhotsk in the north to the East China Sea and Taiwan in the south...
is always pre-qualified as host nation. - Five continental champions are qualified plus the best four continental vice-champions according to the FIVB ranking.
- The remaining two teams participate through wild cards granted by the FIVB.
- Since the 1999 edition, only teams not yet qualified for the following Olympic GamesOlympic GamesThe Olympic Games is a major international event featuring summer and winter sports, in which thousands of athletes participate in a variety of competitions. The Olympic Games have come to be regarded as the world’s foremost sports competition where more than 200 nations participate...
can compete in the World Cup. - The competition is divided in exactly two phases (called "legs").
- Teams are divided in two pools.
- At the first leg, each team plays one match against all other teams in its pool.
- At the second leg, each team plays one match against all the teams in the other pool.
- Matches take place continuously through two weeks, with one-day breaks every two or three days. Each day, six matches are played.
- Final standings are calculated by usual volleyball criteria: number of wins, point ratio (the total number of points won divided by the total number of points lost), set ratio, direct confrontation.
- Top three teams in overall standings, regardless of pools, qualify for the following Olympic GamesOlympic GamesThe Olympic Games is a major international event featuring summer and winter sports, in which thousands of athletes participate in a variety of competitions. The Olympic Games have come to be regarded as the world’s foremost sports competition where more than 200 nations participate...
. - The tournament implements very tight line-up restrictions: only twelve players are allowed, and no replacement is permitted, even in the case of injuries.
Men
| MEN'S WORLD CUP | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Year | Host | Champions | Runners-up | 3rd Place |
| 1965 Details 1965 FIVB Men's World Cup The 1965 FIVB Men's World Cup, a volleyball competition, was held in Poland. It was the first ever FIVB Men's World Cup.-Final ranking:# Soviet Union# Poland# Czechoslovakia# Japan# East Germany# Romania# Hungary# Yugoslavia# Bulgaria# Netherlands... |
 Poland Poland Poland , officially the Republic of Poland , is a country in Central Europe bordered by Germany to the west; the Czech Republic and Slovakia to the south; Ukraine, Belarus and Lithuania to the east; and the Baltic Sea and Kaliningrad Oblast, a Russian exclave, to the north... |
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| 1969 Details 1969 FIVB Men's World Cup -Final ranking:-References:*... |
 East Germany |
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| 1977 Details 1977 FIVB Men's World Cup -Final ranking:# Soviet Union# Japan# Cuba# Poland# China# Bulgaria# South Korea# Brazil# Mexico# United States# Egypt# Canada-References:*... |
 Japan Japan Japan is an island nation in East Asia. Located in the Pacific Ocean, it lies to the east of the Sea of Japan, China, North Korea, South Korea and Russia, stretching from the Sea of Okhotsk in the north to the East China Sea and Taiwan in the south... |
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| 1981 Details 1981 FIVB Men's World Cup -Final ranking:# Soviet Union# Cuba# Brazil# Poland# China# Japan# Italy# Tunisia-References:*... |
Japan Japan Japan is an island nation in East Asia. Located in the Pacific Ocean, it lies to the east of the Sea of Japan, China, North Korea, South Korea and Russia, stretching from the Sea of Okhotsk in the north to the East China Sea and Taiwan in the south... |
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| 1985 Details 1985 FIVB Men's World Cup -Final ranking:# United States# Soviet Union# Czechoslovakia# Brazil# Argentina# Japan# South Korea# Egypt-References:*... |
Japan Japan Japan is an island nation in East Asia. Located in the Pacific Ocean, it lies to the east of the Sea of Japan, China, North Korea, South Korea and Russia, stretching from the Sea of Okhotsk in the north to the East China Sea and Taiwan in the south... |
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| 1989 Details 1989 FIVB Men's World Cup The 1989 FIVB Men's World Cup was the sixth edition of the event, held from Friday November 17 to Sunday November 26, 1989 in Japan. Eight men's national teams played in three cities in Japan for the right to a fast lane ticket into the Olympic Tournament in Barcelona, Spain . Only the winner... |
Japan Japan Japan is an island nation in East Asia. Located in the Pacific Ocean, it lies to the east of the Sea of Japan, China, North Korea, South Korea and Russia, stretching from the Sea of Okhotsk in the north to the East China Sea and Taiwan in the south... |
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| 1991 Details 1991 FIVB Men's World Cup -Final ranking:# Soviet Union# Cuba# United States# Japan# South Korea# Brazil# Germany# Tunisia# Algeria# Mexico# Iran# Chile-References:*... |
Japan Japan Japan is an island nation in East Asia. Located in the Pacific Ocean, it lies to the east of the Sea of Japan, China, North Korea, South Korea and Russia, stretching from the Sea of Okhotsk in the north to the East China Sea and Taiwan in the south... |
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| 1995 Details 1995 FIVB Men's World Cup The 1995 FIVB Men's World Cup was held from Saturday November 18 to Saturday December 2, 1995 in Japan. Twelve men's national teams played in cities all over Japan for the right to a fast lane ticket into the Olympic Tournament in Atlanta, Georgia 1996. The first three qualified.The twelve... |
Japan Japan Japan is an island nation in East Asia. Located in the Pacific Ocean, it lies to the east of the Sea of Japan, China, North Korea, South Korea and Russia, stretching from the Sea of Okhotsk in the north to the East China Sea and Taiwan in the south... |
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| 1999 Details 1999 FIVB Men's World Cup The 1999 FIVB Men's World Cup was held from November 18 to December 2, 1999 in Japan. Twelve men's national teams played in cities all over Japan for the right to a fast lane ticket into the Olympic Tournament in Sydney, Australia 2000.... |
Japan Japan Japan is an island nation in East Asia. Located in the Pacific Ocean, it lies to the east of the Sea of Japan, China, North Korea, South Korea and Russia, stretching from the Sea of Okhotsk in the north to the East China Sea and Taiwan in the south... |
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| 2003 Details 2003 FIVB Men's World Cup The 2003 FIVB Men's World Cup was held from November 16 to November 29, 2003 in Japan. Twelve men's national teams played in cities all over Japan for the right to a fast lane ticket into the Olympic Tournament in Athens, Greece 2004.... |
Japan Japan Japan is an island nation in East Asia. Located in the Pacific Ocean, it lies to the east of the Sea of Japan, China, North Korea, South Korea and Russia, stretching from the Sea of Okhotsk in the north to the East China Sea and Taiwan in the south... |
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| 2007 Details |
Japan Japan Japan is an island nation in East Asia. Located in the Pacific Ocean, it lies to the east of the Sea of Japan, China, North Korea, South Korea and Russia, stretching from the Sea of Okhotsk in the north to the East China Sea and Taiwan in the south... |
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| 2011 Details 2011 FIVB Men's World Cup The 2011 FIVB Men's World Cup is played from November 20 – December 4, in Japan. The tournament is the first step in the qualification process for the 2012 Summer Olympics in London, England, United Kingdom... |
Japan Japan Japan is an island nation in East Asia. Located in the Pacific Ocean, it lies to the east of the Sea of Japan, China, North Korea, South Korea and Russia, stretching from the Sea of Okhotsk in the north to the East China Sea and Taiwan in the south... |
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Women
| WOMEN'S WORLD CUP | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Year | Host | Champions | Runners-up | 3rd Place |
| 1973 Details |
 Uruguay Uruguay Uruguay ,officially the Oriental Republic of Uruguay,sometimes the Eastern Republic of Uruguay; ) is a country in the southeastern part of South America. It is home to some 3.5 million people, of whom 1.8 million live in the capital Montevideo and its metropolitan area... |
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| 1977 Details |
Japan Japan Japan is an island nation in East Asia. Located in the Pacific Ocean, it lies to the east of the Sea of Japan, China, North Korea, South Korea and Russia, stretching from the Sea of Okhotsk in the north to the East China Sea and Taiwan in the south... |
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| 1981 Details |
Japan Japan Japan is an island nation in East Asia. Located in the Pacific Ocean, it lies to the east of the Sea of Japan, China, North Korea, South Korea and Russia, stretching from the Sea of Okhotsk in the north to the East China Sea and Taiwan in the south... |
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| 1985 Details |
Japan Japan Japan is an island nation in East Asia. Located in the Pacific Ocean, it lies to the east of the Sea of Japan, China, North Korea, South Korea and Russia, stretching from the Sea of Okhotsk in the north to the East China Sea and Taiwan in the south... |
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| 1989 Details |
Japan Japan Japan is an island nation in East Asia. Located in the Pacific Ocean, it lies to the east of the Sea of Japan, China, North Korea, South Korea and Russia, stretching from the Sea of Okhotsk in the north to the East China Sea and Taiwan in the south... |
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| 1991 Details 1991 FIVB Women's World Cup The FIVB Women's World Cup 1991 was held from November 8 to 17-1991, in 3 Cities in Japan, Tokyo, Sendai & Osaka . Twelve women's national teams played for the right to a fast lane ticket into the Olympic Tournament in Barcelona 1992.-First round:-Pool A:... |
Japan Japan Japan is an island nation in East Asia. Located in the Pacific Ocean, it lies to the east of the Sea of Japan, China, North Korea, South Korea and Russia, stretching from the Sea of Okhotsk in the north to the East China Sea and Taiwan in the south... |
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| 1995 Details 1995 FIVB Women's World Cup The 1995 FIVB Women's World Cup was held from November 3 to November 17, 1995 in Japan. Twelve women's national teams played in cities all over Japan for the right to a fast lane ticket into the Olympic Tournament in Atlanta, Georgia 1996.-Ranking:... |
Japan Japan Japan is an island nation in East Asia. Located in the Pacific Ocean, it lies to the east of the Sea of Japan, China, North Korea, South Korea and Russia, stretching from the Sea of Okhotsk in the north to the East China Sea and Taiwan in the south... |
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| 1999 Details 1999 FIVB Women's World Cup The 1999 FIVB Women's World Cup was held from November 2 to November 16, 1999 in Japan. Twelve women's national teams played in cities all over Japan for the right to a fast lane ticket into the Olympic Tournament in Sydney, Australia 2000.... |
Japan Japan Japan is an island nation in East Asia. Located in the Pacific Ocean, it lies to the east of the Sea of Japan, China, North Korea, South Korea and Russia, stretching from the Sea of Okhotsk in the north to the East China Sea and Taiwan in the south... |
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| 2003 Details 2003 FIVB Women's World Cup The 2003 FIVB Women's World Cup was held from November 1 to November 15, 2003, in Japan. Twelve women's national teams played in cities all over Japan for the right to a fast lane ticket into the Olympic Tournament in Athens, Greece, 2004.... |
Japan Japan Japan is an island nation in East Asia. Located in the Pacific Ocean, it lies to the east of the Sea of Japan, China, North Korea, South Korea and Russia, stretching from the Sea of Okhotsk in the north to the East China Sea and Taiwan in the south... |
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| 2007 Details 2007 FIVB Women's World Cup -Qualifying:12 teams participated in the World Cup:*The five champions of their respective continental championships in 2007: , , , , *Four highest-ranked second-place teams of their respective continental championships in 2007: , , , *The host nation's team:... |
Japan Japan Japan is an island nation in East Asia. Located in the Pacific Ocean, it lies to the east of the Sea of Japan, China, North Korea, South Korea and Russia, stretching from the Sea of Okhotsk in the north to the East China Sea and Taiwan in the south... |
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| 2011 Details 2011 FIVB Women's World Cup The 2011 FIVB Women's World Cup was played from November 4–18, in Japan. The tournament was the first step in the qualification process for the 2012 Summer Olympics in London, United Kingdom... |
Japan Japan Japan is an island nation in East Asia. Located in the Pacific Ocean, it lies to the east of the Sea of Japan, China, North Korea, South Korea and Russia, stretching from the Sea of Okhotsk in the north to the East China Sea and Taiwan in the south... |
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Men
| 1 | 5 | 2 | 2 | 9 | |
| 2 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 4 | |
| 3 | 1 | 3 | 1 | 5 | |
| 4 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 4 | |
| 5 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 2 | |
| 6 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | |
| 7 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 2 | |
| 8 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | |
| 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | ||
| 10 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 2 | |
| 11 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | |
| 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | ||
| Total | 11 | 11 | 11 | 33 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Women
| 1 | 4 | 2 | 0 | 6 | |
| 2 | 3 | 1 | 3 | 7 | |
| 3 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 2 | |
| 4 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 6 | |
| 5 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 3 | |
| 6 | 0 | 3 | 1 | 4 | |
| 7 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 3 | |
| 8 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 2 | |
| Total | 11 | 11 | 11 | 33 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
See also
- Volleyball at the Summer OlympicsVolleyball at the Summer OlympicsVolleyball has been contested as an indoor sport at the Summer Olympic Games since 1964. Beach volleyball was introduced at the 1992 Games, and has been an official Olympic sport since 1996.-Origins:...
- FIVB World Championship
- FIVB World Grand Champions Cup
- FIVB World League
- FIVB World Grand Prix
- List of indoor volleyball World Champions