The FIVB Beach Volleyball Commission met recently to review key developments, the 2026 competition calendar and ongoing strategic initiatives aimed at advancing the sport worldwide. The meeting opened with remarks from FIVB President Fabio Azevedo, followed by Commission President Craig Carracher, who welcomed members and reflected on a landmark year for beach volleyball.
Carracher said:
“We had a very big year in 2025 – a year of transition – and we will continue that momentum into 2026. Beach volleyball is a truly magnificent spectacle and an extraordinary athletic sport. We are fortunate to have incredibly innovative athletes who challenge themselves every day. Our task is to match that energy off the court, to innovate the game, and to lead our sport to new horizons.”
Members received updates on the 2026 season, including the current calendar, progress on potential events, Elite and Challenge Main Draws and Continental Beach Events. The Commission also reviewed the FIVB Beach World Championships, discussing the 2025 Adelaide World Championships, where a beach party atmosphere proved highly popular on the Australian sand, and preparations for the 2027 event in the Netherlands, which had its kick-off event in The Hague last week.
The Commission reviewed defining 2025, upcoming events and strategic priorities for the growth of what is a spectacle sport
Future youth World Championships from 2026 to 2028 were discussed, with age categories validated to ensure consistency and development pathways for emerging talent. The Commission also discussed the Beach Volleyball Turnaround project as current work in progress, as outlined in the FIVB Strategic Vision 2032, alongside updates in revisiting the ranking system and ongoing competition and technology tests.
Preparations for LA28 were also reviewed in detail, with presentations on the qualification system, time trials and the IOC Qualifier Series. Members also received an update on the Youth Olympic Games 2026, highlighting opportunities for young athletes to gain international experience and develop their competitive careers.
