Action at the MOA Arena continues with three-time champion Brazil and Serbia set to headline Sunday's three-game slate of the 2025 FIVB Men's World Championship against separate opponents.
Three-time champion Brazil and former podium finisher Serbia begin their respective 2025 FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship campaigns Sunday, Sept. 14, at the Mall of Asia Arena.
The third-ranked Brazilians face China in Pool H action at 9:00 p.m.
Brazil has long been a fixture of excellence in international volleyball, having last secured a three-peat in the tournament with triumphs in 2002, 2006, and 2010.
Under the guidance of head coach Bernardo Rocha De Rezende, the South American nation has a stacked recent resume, including a VNL gold in 2021 and a bronze in 2024.
But after two consecutive World Championship silver medals in 2014 and 2018, and a bronze in 2022, Brazil is hungrier than ever to return to the top.
And serving the opening test is Asian powerhouse China, who are making their 16th stint in the tournament.
The three-time Asian Games champions are eager to make a statement and shake off years of underachievement, as they embark on their ninth consecutive World Championship appearance since 1994.
[ALSO READ: Everything you need to know about Pool H of the 2025 FIVB Men's World Championship]
Before that, Serbia is set to take on the Czech Republic in a 5:30 p.m. showdown.
Ranked no. 12, the Serbians enter their ninth World Championship appearance, looking to improve on a ninth-place finish in 2022.
Their first test comes against the Czech Republic, which is making its fifth World Championship appearance since gaining independence in 1993.
Before these blockbusters, Iran takes on Egypt in an exciting Pool A opener at 1:30 p.m.
Ranked no. 13, Iran’s breakthrough in 2022—reaching the Round of 16 for the first time—has given the team newfound confidence.
This marks Iran’s eighth appearance in the tournament, and they enter the World Championship as the second-highest ranked Asian team, behind only Japan (no. 5).
Egypt, now making its ninth consecutive World Championship appearance since 1998, is also eager to make an early splash in the tournament.
[ALSO READ: Everything you need to know about Pool A of the FIVB Men's World Championship]
(With reports from Pao Ambat)
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[Editor's note: This article was written by a member of the One Sports Digital with the help of AI, and then checked by the staff to ensure accuracy.]