Alas Pilipinas face their biggest test yet as they battle world no. 16 Iran with a historic FIVB World Championship Round of 16 berth on the line at the Mall of Asia Arena.
History is within reach for Alas Pilipinas as they battle perennial Asian powerhouse Iran in a win-or-go-home clash at the 2025 FIVB Men’s Volleyball World Championship on Thursday at the Mall of Asia Arena.
Coming off a thrilling four-set win over world no. 21 Egypt, the Philippines now finds itself in a position to advance to the Round of 16 for the first time ever — a dream few thought possible for the world no. 77 squad.
But standing in the way is world perennial Asian powerhouse Iran, which bounced back strong after an opening-day loss to Egypt and recently handled Tunisia in four sets.
With both teams holding 1-1 records, a victory guarantees passage to the Round of 16, while a loss will spell the end of the road.
[ALSO READ: POOL A SCENARIOS: Alas Pilipinas get shot at historic Round of 16 berth in FIVB Worlds]
Bryan Bagunas, Marck Espejo, and Leo Ordiales are once again expected to lead the charge for the host nation.
At the same time, Iran will rely on their size, experience, and depth, powered by Poriya Hossein Khanzadeh and Ali Hajipour.
Will it be another magical night for the Filipinos, or will Iran reassert its place among the continent’s elite?
Refresh this page for live updates of the match.
-----