The competition format of the FIVB World Championships always includes both genders. The Main Draw Tournament of each gender is played through a first phase of twelve (12) pools of four (4) teams each (Round Robin) and a second phase with thirty-two (32) teams playing in a Single Elimination format (the losers of a semifinal will play the bronze medal match, while the winners of the semifinal will play the gold medal match). From the Round Robin phase the 1st and 2nd ranked teams from each pool plus the top 8 3rd ranked teams (based on Match points, sets ratio and points ratio) will be advancing to the single elimination phase (total: thirty-two (32) teams).