Poland and Russia (men’s tournament), as well as Argentina and Italy (women’s tournament)-these are the teams that were given ‘wild cards’ at the World Cup tournament. The information was announced by the International Volleyball Federation (FIVB). Women’s tournament is scheduled 4^th -18^th of November, and Men’s tournament is scheduled 20^th of November – 4^th of December.

Poland is a bronze medalist of the last European Championships. They defeated Russia in the final match. Russia has been ranked 2^nd at the last edition of the World Cup. The white-and-reds return to the World Cup for the first time since 1981, when they won the 4^th place of the tournament. In 1965 the team had its top result in the history when took the 2^nd place during the event.

Men’s World Cup Participants:

Japan-host 14 (FIVB ranking of the 15th of January 2011)
Russia-wild card  2
Poland-wild card 10
Brazil-Champion of South America 1
Serbia-Champion of Europe 3
Cuba-Champion of NORCECA area 4
USA-Vice Champion of NORCECA area 5
Italy-Vice Champion of Europe 6
Argentina-Vice Champion of South America 8
China-Vice Champion of Asia 11
Egypt-Champion of Africa 13
Iran-Champion of Asia 19

Women’s World Cup Participants:

Japan-host 3
Italy-wild card  4
Argentina-wild card 25
Brazil-Champion of South America 1

USA-Champion of NORCECA area 2
China-Champion of Asia 6
Serbia-Champion of Europe 9
Germany-Vice Champion of Europe 10

Dominican Republic-Vice Champion of NORCECA area 13
Algeria-Vice Champion of Africa 15
South Corea-Bronze medalist of the Championships of Asia 18
Kenya-Champion of Africa 23