Bryan Bagunas leads host squad Alas Pilipinas as they kick off their historic 2025 FIVB Volleyball Men's World Championship campaign against Tunisia on September 12 at the Mall of Asia Arena.
Alas Pilipinas are out to prove it belongs on the global stage as the 2025 FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship finally kicks off Friday, September 12, at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
Ranked No. 82 in the world, the Filipinos will be tested early against 11-time African champion Tunisia in the opening match of Pool A.
[ALSO READ: Everything you need to know about Pool A of the FIVB Men's World Championship]
While underdogs on paper, the squad enters the tournament with renewed confidence after a year-long build-up under champion Italian coach Angiolino Frigoni, highlighted by a grueling three-country training camp in Europe.
Bryan Bagunas, returning from injury, teams up with Marck Espejo to lead the final 14 lineup that mixes veterans and young talents eager to make the most of this historic hosting.
[ALSO READ: Bryan Bagunas returns as Alas Pilipinas name roster for 2025 FIVB Men’s World Championship]
Standing in their way is Tunisia, currently ranked No.43, which will miss its star player Wassim Ben Tara.
Still, the 11-time African champions will be led by star spikers Hamza Nagga and Elyes Karamosli under Italian head coach Camillo Placi.
First serve will be at 7:00 p.m.
Before this, the opening day will also feature a first-of-its-kind ceremony headlined by K-pop group BOYNEXTDOOR and Cebuana artist Karencitta, who will perform the official theme song Electrify.
[ALSO READ: Alas Pilipinas ready for historic debut as FIVB Men's World Championship set to begin]
(With reports from Kiko Demigillo)
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[Editor's note: This article was written by a member of the One Sports Digital with the help of AI, and then checked by the staff to ensure accuracy.]