The world's best volleyball nations, including Poland, France, Italy, and Brazil, are set to storm Manila for the 2025 FIVB Men’s Volleyball World Championship.
The very best in men’s volleyball are coming to the Philippines as the 2025 FIVB Men's Volleyball World Championship takes over the Mall of Asia Arena and Smart Araneta Coliseum from September 12 to 28.
Reigning world champion Italy, back-to-back Olympic gold medalist France, and World No. 1 Poland headline the stacked 32-team cast, joined by other heavyweights Brazil, USA, Japan, Slovenia, Germany, and Cuba in what promises to be the most competitive edition in tournament history.
“Elite at its highest level,” said Philippine National Volleyball Federation (PNVF) president Ramon “Tats” Suzara, who also heads the Local Organizing Committee. The championship is co-chaired by William Vincent “Vinny” Marcos, Senator Alan Peter Cayetano, and Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco.
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Heavy favorites
Poland arrives as the top-ranked team in the world, led by spiker Wilfredo Leon and VNL MVP Jakub Kochanowski. Fresh from a VNL gold over Italy and a silver medal at the Paris 2024 Olympics, the Poles remain the benchmark of excellence.
France, spearheaded by Olympic MVP Earvin Ngapeth, brings confidence from their Paris triumph and back-to-back Olympic titles. Meanwhile, Italy looks to defend its 2022 world crown behind Simone Giannelli and Alessandro Michieletto.
[ALSO READ: Paris 2024: France defends Olympic gold in men’s volleyball after sweeping world no. 1 Poland]
Brazil, ranked third in the world, will also be a team to watch, anchored by Alan Souza, Ricardo Lucarelli, and legendary setter Bruno Rezende as they aim to end a string of near misses.
Other top contenders
The tournament will also feature perennial contenders such as World No. 6 USA and crowd favorites and No. 5 Japan led by Ran Takahashi, Yuki Ishikawa, and Kento Miyaura.
Also competing in the tournament are No. 7 Slovenia, No. 8 Germany, No. 9 Argentina, and No. 10 Cuba.
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Historic hosting
Host Philippines, ranked No. 82, will compete in Pool A alongside No. 13 Iran, African champions and No. 23 Egypt, and No. 42 Tunisia.
Alas Pilipinas Men open their campaign against Tunisia on September 12 at the Mall of Asia Arena.
The match will be followed by a historic opening ceremony headlined by K-pop sensation BOYNEXTDOOR and Cebuana star Karencitta, marking the first time volleyball and entertainment will be blended at such a global stage.
Tickets are available through the official website: philippineswch2025.com