source: WorldOfVolley

The FIVB has named Anaheim, Omaha and Orlando as the first three U.S. host cities for the 2027 Women's Volleyball World Cup, a 32-team tournament that doubles as a qualifying event for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics.

The announcement, made September 17, covers venues in California, Nebraska and Florida, with Canadian host cities still to come.

Omaha's CHI Health Center Arena and Orlando's Kia Center will each stage pool play and Round of 16 matches.

Anaheim's Honda Center gets the tournament's biggest matches, hosting the quarterfinals, semifinals and final before the same building serves as the indoor volleyball venue for the 2028 Olympics.

WorldofVolley reported that the tournament runs August 20 to September 5, 2027, spread across the United States and Canada. The World Cup will award Olympic berths to the three highest-finishing teams that have not already secured a spot in Los Angeles.

Why These Cities

The FIVB said host cities and venues were chosen for their fan bases, arena quality, local government and partner support, and their potential to draw new fans and grow the sport across North America.

USA Volleyball's Craig Thompson said the joint effort with Volleyball Canada and the WVWC27 Local Host Committee delivers a series of firsts for the sport in North America, pointing to modern venues and the finals week set for the OCVIBE district in Anaheim.

Thompson said the event will push volleyball in North America toward the top tier of women's sports.

Broadcast Plans Taking Shape

ION will carry 17 days of national coverage of the tournament, according to WorldofVolley, including 19 live matches and 10 hours of studio programming. Another 45 matches will be available via streaming. Fivb.com put total live match and studio coverage at 57 hours.

Ticket prices and tournament pool assignments are expected in mid-October, WorldofVolley reported. Details will be posted at wvwc27.org.

What's Still Unannounced

Canadian host cities have not yet been revealed. Volleyball Canada is a co-organizer alongside USA Volleyball and the WVWC27 Local Host Committee, but no venues north of the border have been confirmed.

Nebraska and Florida arenas rarely host top international women's volleyball at this level, and Anaheim's Honda Center will serve as a rehearsal for its Olympic role a year before the Games.