The Brazilian side will also go up against defending champions the United States in Pool A at the competition, which doubles as a test event for next year’s Olympic Games.

Reigning world champions Poland come into the event in good form and they will face Italy, eight-times winners of the World League crown, as well as Serbia in Pool B in what is set to be a thrilling five days of competition, with the final due to take place on Sunday (July 19).

The tournament, which provides the culmination to the 10-week World League which began at the end of May, is an ideal opportunity for teams to stamp their authority on the sport ahead of Rio 2016.

The hosts, who last won the competition in 2010, will be looking to bounce back from their 3-2 defeat at the hands of Italy in their last preliminary round contest, with Brazil’s setter Bruno Rezende admitting improvement is needed if they are to top the podium.

“We need to improve our game for the finals,” he said.

“We will come back stronger.”

2008 Beijing Olympic Games gold medallists the United States are also expected to do well and although Taylor Sander, the Most Valuable Player in last year’s World League, is full of confidence, he admits Brazil go into the competition as the team to beat.

The US beat Brazil 3-1 in last year’s final in Florence, Italy, and Sander added that he feels they have a much stronger side this time around.

“I think the favourites for the final round are for sure Brazil, because they are in their home country with big support,” he said.

“That makes a big difference.

“I think the chances of us reaching the title match again are high if we play how we want to and know we can play.

“I think we have a better team than last year.”

Pool B is set to be hotly-contested, with neither team strong favourites to progress.

France come into the final event in supreme form having reached the World League showpiece with a 100 per cent record, winning all 14 preliminary matches, and they will entertain Poland, the current world champions, as well as Italy.

The Italian outfit will be bidding for their ninth World League crown and they get Pool B underway when they take on four-time runners-up Serbia.

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