Competition Formula
The World Cup is the most stable from all competition formulas employed by the FIVB. The following rules apply:
- The competition takes place in Japan.
- Twelve teams participate in each event: ten qualified, two per invitation.
- Japan is always pre-qualified as host nation.
- Five continental champions are qualified plus the best four continental vice-champions according to the FIVB ranking.
- The remaining two teams participate through wild cards granted by the FIVB.
- Since the 1999 edition, only teams not yet qualified for the following Olympic Games can compete in the World Cup.
- The competition is divided in exactly two phases (called "legs").
- Teams are divided in two pools.
- At the first leg, each team plays one match against all other teams in its pool.
- At the second leg, each team plays one match against all the teams in the other pool.
- Matches take place continuously through two weeks, with one-day breaks every two or three days. Each day, six matches are played.
- Final standings are calculated by usual volleyball criteria: number of wins, point ratio (the total number of points won divided by the total number of points lost), set ratio, direct confrontation.
- Top three teams in overall standings, regardless of pools, qualify for the following Olympic Games.
- The tournament implements very tight line-up restrictions: only twelve players are allowed, and no replacement is permitted, even in the case of injuries.
Read more about this topic: FIVB World Cup
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