After a memorable Pool A run, Alas Pilipinas are 19th place in the 2025 FIVB Men’s World Championship, finishing as the second-best Asian team just behind tormentor Iran.
Alas Pilipinas capped their 2025 FIVB Men’s World Championship campaign with a 19th-place finish, marking a historic milestone for Philippine men’s volleyball on the world stage.
The Filipinos closed the group stage with a 1-2 record, tallying four points on five sets won against seven lost.
Their lone victory came against Egypt, the country’s first-ever World Championship win, before pushing powerhouse Iran to a thrilling five-set battle in front of a raucous Mall of Asia Arena crowd.
Alas’ performance also cemented their status as the second-best Asian team in the 32-nation field for the 2025 edition, finishing just behind Iran—the only Asian squad to reach the Round of 16.
[ALSO READ: FIVB | Piazza praises Alas after narrow Iran escape: 'They deserve to be in first 16 teams']
The Philippines’ 19th-place finish became even more remarkable when compared to some of volleyball’s giants. They ended ahead of regional powerhouse Japan, which slipped to 23rd with just three points to show from its group stage campaign.
Even decorated programs fell below expectations. Three-time world champion Brazil could do no better than 17th, while reigning Olympic gold medalist France finished 18th.
The Filipinos also placed higher than Cuba (20th), Germany (21st), and Qatar (22nd)—all squads with far deeper pedigrees on the world stage.
[ALSO READ: Alas Pilipinas Men now begin their search for true ‘Paradise’]
Other teams left behind included Ukraine (24th), Egypt (25th), Colombia (26th), South Korea (27th), Libya (28th), Romania (29th), China (30th), Chile (31st), and Algeria (32nd),
The campaign also sparked a rise in the FIVB world rankings, with the Philippines climbing 11 spots from No. 88 to No. 77 after the victory over Egypt.
[ALSO READ: Bagunas, Retamar, Ybanez, Espejo of Alas among top individual performers in FIVB MWCH pool]
While the Philippines’ journey ended after the group stage, the knockout Round of 16 continues at the Mall of Asia Arena starting Saturday, September 20.
Still in contention are defending champion Italy, 2022 runner-up Poland, Tunisia, Czechia, Serbia, the United States, Slovenia, Bulgaria, Portugal, Canada, Türkiye, the Netherlands, Argentina, Belgium, and Finland.
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Kiko Demigillo’s journey in sports storytelling began with a deep passion for games and athletes, which eventually grew into a full-fledged career.
Now a dedicated sportswriter, Kiko covers a wide range of beats for One Sports, including the PVL, UAAP, PBA, and various international tournaments.