Guam – The 2026 Oceania Volleyball Championships officially got underway on Sunday with a vibrant Opening Ceremony at the Tumon Night Market, ushering in a week of competition that brings together Oceania’s top men’s and women’s national teams from August 3–9 at the UOG Calvo’s Field House.
Athletes, officials and guests were welcomed with traditional Chamoru chants and cultural performances, celebrating Guam’s rich heritage as the island hosts its biggest international volleyball event in more than two decades.
A total of nine national federations are represented across the men’s and women’s competitions.
The men’s tournament features American Samoa, Australia, Cook Islands, Guam, New Caledonia, Palau, Papua New Guinea, and Wallis and Futuna, while the women’s competition brings together American Samoa, Australia, Cook Islands, Guam, Marshall Islands, New Caledonia, Palau, and Wallis and Futuna.
This year’s championship marks a significant milestone for volleyball in Oceania as it becomes the first Oceania Zonal Volleyball Association (OZVA) Championship to award official FIVB World Ranking points, adding greater importance to every match as teams compete not only for continental honors but also valuable points on the international stage.
The tournament also marks the first major international volleyball event hosted in Guam since the 1999 Pacific Games, reaffirming the island’s growing role in the development of volleyball across the Oceania region.
Adding to the significance of the event is the attendance of Asian Volleyball Confederation (AVC) President Ramon Suzara, underscoring the AVC’s continued commitment to supporting the growth of volleyball across all five of its zonal associations.
AVC President Ramon Suzara welcomed the participating teams and highlighted the importance of the championship in strengthening the sport throughout Oceania.
“The Oceania Volleyball Championships continue to play a vital role in developing our sport and providing athletes with the opportunity to compete at a higher level. This year’s championship is particularly significant as it is the first Oceania Zonal Volleyball Association Championship to award FIVB World Ranking points, giving every match greater importance while inspiring our athletes to pursue even bigger goals on the international stage,” Suzara said.
“It is wonderful to see Guam once again host a major international volleyball event. On behalf of the Asian Volleyball Confederation, I congratulate the Oceania Zonal Volleyball Association, the Local Organizing Committee, the officials, volunteers, and all participating teams. I wish every athlete the very best as they showcase the spirit, friendship, and excellence that define our sport.”
Competition begins immediately following the Opening Ceremony, with teams battling through the preliminary rounds before advancing to the knockout stage. The men’s and women’s champions will be crowned on August 9, concluding seven days of high-level volleyball competition.
Beyond the race for the podium, the Oceania Volleyball Championships serve as an important platform for athlete development and regional cooperation. By offering world ranking points for the first time, the tournament raises the level of competition while providing players with valuable international experience as they continue their journey toward the highest levels of the sport.
Fans around the world can watch every match live on the Oceania Volleyball YouTube Channel throughout the championship, bringing the excitement of Oceania’s premier volleyball event to audiences across the globe. With world ranking points on the line for the first time, the tournament promises an exciting week of world-class volleyball while highlighting the continued growth of the sport across the Pacific region.
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