The world number ones began a new cycle in their illustrious history on home soil, after claiming gold at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games. Renan dal Zotto has since taken over as head coach following the retirement of Bernardo 'Bernardinho' Rezende, but still the success continues.
During Bernardinho's 15-year tenure as coach, Brazil have at times appeared unstoppable. He led the team to the 2001 World League title in his first outing and Brazil were unrivalled champions from 2003 to 2007. The Brazilians won back-to-back World League titles again in 2009 and 2010, three World Championships and two FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Cup events, in 2003 and 2007.
Under Dal Zotto, Brazil’s medal-winning tradition has continued without pause, taking silver in the 2017 FIVB World League and winning gold medals at both the South American Games and the FIVB World Grand Champions Cup.
Brazil will compete in the World Championship for the 17th time this year. They missed the first two editions 1949 and 1952, but have been present at every edition since, claiming the world title three times consecutively (2002, 2006, 2010) and finishing runners up twice (1982, 2014). In the last edition of the World Championship, Brazil lost out in the final to hosts Poland, going down in four sets.
Brazil finished fourth in the inaugural Volleyball Nations League this year, after losing to the USA in straight sets in the bronze medal match in Lille.