Pool E of the 2025 FIVB Men's World Championship features European contenders Slovenia, Germany, and Bulgaria taking on returning underdogs Chile at the Mall of Asia Arena.
European powerhouse Slovenia is set to headline Pool E of the 2025 FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship as they take on Germany, Bulgaria, and Chile at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
Ranked inside the world’s top five, Slovenia will be the team to beat in this group. But a hungry German squad and a rebuilding Bulgarian side are expected to make things interesting. Debutant Chile, meanwhile, will relish the chance to test itself against some of volleyball’s biggest names.
Here’s a closer look at the four teams in Pool E ahead of the group stage clashes.
Slovenia
World Ranking: #7
Slovenia has quickly risen towards the sport’s elite, with a semifinal finish at the 2022 World Championship and its first Olympic appearance at Paris 2024. With an experienced core and young stars, the Slovenians are targeting nothing less than a podium finish.
Key players to watch:
- Tine Urnaut – Veteran captain who provides leadership and stability. His composure and all-around game anchor Slovenia’s play.
- Klemen Cebulj – An experienced outside hitter and long-time national team stalwart, Cebulj brings firepower from the wing and a steady presence in high-pressure situations.
Germany
World Ranking: #8
Germany is no stranger to success, with a World Championship bronze in 2014 and an Olympic berth in Paris 2024. Under head coach Michal Winiarski, the team is blending veteran leadership with youthful firepower.
Key players to watch:
- György Grozer – The legendary opposite, now 40, remains a lethal scorer and emotional leader in what could be his final Worlds.
- Filip John – A rising 21-year-old opposite who finished third in scoring at the 2025 Volleyball Nations League, signaling the next era for Germany.
Bulgaria
World Ranking: #15
A proud volleyball nation with past medals at the World Championship, Bulgaria is now in a rebuilding phase. Led by Italian coach Gianlorenzo Blengini, the team has turned to a promising new generation of stars.
Key players to watch:
- Aleksandar Nikolov – The 21-year-old outside hitter is Bulgaria’s top offensive weapon, combining size, power, and confidence.
- Simeon Nikolov – Just 18 years old, he already runs the team as setter and forms a dangerous sibling duo with Aleksandar.
Chile
World Ranking: #27
Chile returns to the World Championship for the first time since 1982, making them the underdogs of Pool E. With steady progress in South America, including a Pan-Am Cup bronze in 2023, Chile is out to prove it belongs at this level.
Key players to watch:
- Dusan Bonacic – The veteran captain and outside hitter is Chile’s reliable scorer and emotional leader.
- Vicente Parraguirre – Explosive attacker capable of big scoring runs; he gives Chile another strong option on the wing.
Pool E Match Schedule (MOA Arena, Pasay City)
September 13 (Saturday), 5:30 p.m. – Germany vs Bulgaria
September 13 (Saturday), 9:00 p.m. – Slovenia vs Chile
September 15 (Monday), 1:30 p.m. – Germany vs Chile
September 15 (Monday), 5:30 p.m. – Slovenia vs Bulgaria
September 17 (Wednesday), 1:30 p.m. – Bulgaria vs Chile
September 17 (Wednesday), 9:00 p.m. – Slovenia vs Germany
Only the top two teams from Pool E will move forward to the Round of 16, with each match carrying significant implications for qualification.
Tickets for the FIVB World Championship are available via www.philippineswch2025.com