Tunisia, minus star scorer Wassim Ben Tara, will serve as the opening test for Alas Pilipinas when they clash in the FIVB Men’s World Championship on September 12 at the Mall of Asia Arena.
African powerhouse Tunisia will open its FIVB Men’s World Championship 2025 campaign against host nation Philippines without its main gun Wassim Ben Tara.
Tunisia’s top scorer during the 2020 Tokyo Olympics was left out of the official roster due to prior commitments. The 29-year-old decorated opposite hitter is currently playing for Sir Susa Vim Perugia in Italy.
Instead, veterans Hamza Nagga and Elyes Karamosli—who helped lead Tunisia to its record 11th African title in 2021—are expected to shoulder the load when Pool A hostilities begin on September 12 at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
New head coach Camillo Placi, an Italian tactician who previously worked as deputy for Russia’s 2008 Beijing Olympics bronze-medal team, will call the shots for Tunisia against compatriot Angiolino Frigoni of Alas Pilipinas Men.
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Currently ranked no. 42 in the world, Tunisia is coming off a fifth-place finish in the 2023 African Championship and a 16th-place campaign in the 2022 World Championship.
Despite missing their star, the Tunisians are looking to rebound on the global stage after a full four-month training camp.
Their clash with Alas Pilipinas will serve as the very first game of the tournament, followed by the historic opening ceremony featuring K-pop group BOYNEXTDOOR and Filipino artist Karencitta.
Tunisia is joined by No. 23 Egypt and No. 13 Iran in Pool A alongside No. 82 Philippines, making the opener a crucial test for both squads as they aim to make a mark in the biggest World Championship in FIVB history.
[ALSO READ: Alas Pilipinas Men drawn with Tunisia, Egypt, and Iran for 2025 FIVB Men's Volleyball World Championship]
Tickets are available at www.philippineswch2025.com