Linyi, China, and Manila, Philippines, are gearing up to host the ultimate editions of the Men’s and Women’s Volleyball Challenger Cup (VCC) in 2024, set to take place from 4 to 7 July.
The Men’s VCC is set to debut in Linyi, a new destination in the international volleyball circuit, situated in the southern region of Shandong province. Host country China will be accompanied by Mexico, champions of the 2023 NORCECA International League Final Four, as well as Egypt (CAVB) and Chile (CSV), both securing qualification through the FIVB World Ranking at the conclusion of the previous national team season.
Meanwhile, the Women’s VCC is slated to take place at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium in Manila, the dynamic capital of the Philippines, marking its culmination. The Philippine team will be in contention alongside Puerto Rico, champions of the NORCECA International League Final Four 2023, as well as Kenya (CAVB) and Argentina (CSV), both securing berths based on the FIVB World Ranking at the conclusion of the previous national team season.
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All teams completing the lineup for the ultimate VCC showdown in Linyi Olympic Sport Park and the Philippines will be decided by 17 June. Specifically, for both the men’s and women’s VCC, the Asian quota will be determined by the victor of the AVC Challenger 2024 in early June.
Europe will be represented by its champion and runner-up from the CEV Golden League 2024, wrapping up on 16 June, while the last spot will be allocated on 17 June to the highest-ranked team yet to qualify.
The 2024 instalment of the VCC signals the conclusion of the competition, making room for the revamped VNL set to commence in 2025. The reimagined VNL seeks to streamline the tournament, boost its commercial allure, and elevate the overall experience for athletes, fans, host cities, and stakeholders globally.
The revamped VNL will grow to accommodate 18 teams per gender, eliminating the previous division into core and challenger teams. Consequently, there will be no relegation at the conclusion of the VNL 2024 season.
Instead, the champions of the 2024 VCC and the top-ranked teams in the FIVB Men’s and Women’s Volleyball World Ranking that have not yet qualified will be added to the lineup for the VNL 2025 season.