Alas Pilipinas will close their pool phase campaign against Asian powerhouse Iran, which boasts a youthful lineup at the FIVB Men’s World Volleyball Championship.
Alas Pilipinas will have their work cut out for themselves as they are headed for a matchup against world no. 13 Iran to end their preliminary play at the 2025 FIVB Men’s World Volleyball Championship next month.
Alas Men, who are coming off of a multi-stop training camp in Europe, will first get their feet wet against Tunisia on September 12, before facing Egypt midway through their campaign on September 16.
But all eyes will be on their battle against the second highest ranked team in Asia, with Best Opposite Spiker Amin Esmaeilnezhad leading the way for Iran's young core.
In a battle that will likely have implications on the final placing of teams in Pool A, Alas will be tested mightily against the regional powerhouse, despite Iran only boasting an average age of 23.8 years.
Height will be Iran’s might as they are averaging 6-foot-5, hoping to use their length to their advantage at the net.
The 28-year-old Esmaeilnezhad will be sure to provide experience against what is expected to be an inspired Alas team playing in front of a home crowd at the Mall of Asia Arena.
However, he will not be the only weapon for Iran’s conquest.
Alas, bannered by fit-again spikers Bryan Bagunas and Marck Espejo, will have to deal with former AVC Best Setter Javad Karimi and with Italian coach Roberto Piazza calling the shots.
The three-time defending champions in the Asian Games will be making their final preparations in Doha, Qatar, before flying to Manila among the early birds in the first week of September.
Team Melli will be playing friendlies against Egypt and Qatar, before heading to the Philippines where they will cap preparations with tuneup games against Slovenia on September 9, and Germany on September 10.
They are looking for a positive follow up to their ninth-place finish in the last VNL last month — a significant leap from their 15th place finish in 2024.
Meanwhile, the Philippines-Tunisia game on September 12 will usher in action for the Men’s World Championships, before an opening ceremony formalizes the beginning of the tournament, an event which will feature K-Pop group BOYNEXTDOOR.
It was also recently announced that Brazil great Leila Barros will be gracing the tournament to further boost the prestige of the event among volleyball fans all over the world.
Fans and supporters are encouraged to avail their tickets through the official website.