Orlando has officially joined the roster of U.S. host cities for the 2027 FIVB Women's World Cup — the newly rebranded name for the women's volleyball world championships — with matches scheduled at the Kia Center from August 20 through September 5. It marks the first time the tournament will be held in North America.
The Kia Center will handle pool play and round-of-16 games, sharing early-round duties with CHI Health Center Arena in Omaha, Nebraska. Quarterfinal, semifinal, and final action will move to the Honda Center in Anaheim, California. Host cities in Canada are still to be announced.
The 32-nation field includes defending champion Italy, co-hosts Canada and the United States, and 15 other already-qualified nations spanning six continents. The tournament also serves as an Olympic qualifier: the top three finishers not yet bound for the 2028 Los Angeles Games will earn spots. Sports and entertainment network ION will carry 17 days of coverage, streaming 45 matches and airing 19 live.
The announcement adds another marquee international event to Central Florida's growing sports calendar. Orlando is already slated to host a portion of the 2028 Olympic qualifying series — covering sports such as 3×3 basketball, beach volleyball, BMX freestyle, climbing, flag football, and skateboarding — and recently staged Road to '26 soccer matches ahead of the FIFA World Cup.
This story was reported by the Associated Press via the Orlando Sentinel.
