World Championship U20 Women 2021/22

The FIVB Volleyball Women's U21 World Championship is the premier global competition for female players under the age of 21. Founded in 1977 by the Fédération Internationale de Volleyball (FIVB), the event is held biennially and serves as the definitive contest for this age group worldwide. In 2022, the tournament was officially renamed to align with the men’s category, shifting the age limit from 20 to 21.

The structure of the championship has evolved over time to accommodate growing participation. Since 2023, the format features 24 teams divided into four groups of six. The top four nations from each group advance to a knockout stage, a significant expansion from the previous 16-team field. Qualification is determined through continental confederations—including AVC, CAVB, CEV, CSV, and NORCECA—alongside automatic berths for the host nation. There is no system of promotion or relegation, as the event is a closed international tournament.

Brazil holds the record for the most titles won, claiming six championships. Their dominance peaked between 2001 and 2007, when they secured four consecutive victories. China follows as the second-most successful nation with four titles, while Italy has won three, including the most recent edition in 2025. In that final, played in Indonesia, Italy defeated Japan to take the crown. The competition has also produced notable individual performers, such as China’s Zhu Ting and Brazil’s Natália Pereira, who have been recognised as MVPs in previous years.

The tournament operates independently of continental championships, such as the South American U20 Championship, functioning as a standalone global event rather than a regional cup or domestic league. Its status remains unique within the international volleyball calendar, offering a platform for future stars to compete against their peers from every continent.