World no. 2 Italy start their title defense against Algeria, while reigning back-to-back Olympic champion France will take on South Korea in 2025 FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship.
Defending champions Italy begin their 2025 FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship campaign on Sunday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, with a quartet of exciting matchups kicking off a loaded day of action.
The no. 2-ranked Italians are set to face Algeria at 9:30 p.m. in Pool F action.
Italy, aiming for a fifth World Championship, seeks to continue to streak of reigning champions scoring a back-to-back. Since their first title in 1990, every new champion successfully defended the title at least once.
However, after recent setbacks, including a VNL Finals loss to Poland in early August and a bronze medal defeat at the Olympics in Paris, the Italians are eager to redeem themselves.
Algeria, making just its third World Championship appearance and its first since 1998, enters the tournament hoping for a strong start.
[ALSO READ: Everything you need to know about Pool F of the FIVB Men’s World Championship]
Earlier in the day, reigning back-to-back Olympic champions France faces South Korea in a 5:30 p.m. matchup in Pool C.
The French, ranked no. 4, are keen to capture their first World Championship after winning bronze all the way back in 2002.
Following a successful Paris 2024 Olympic title defense, France seeks to add another prestigious title to its collection.
South Korea, back in the tournament for the first time since 2010, will look to make an impact against the Olympic winners.
The day kicks off at 10:30 a.m. with Argentina facing Finland in another Pool C clash.
Argentina, ranked no. 9, is making its 14th World Championship appearance and is looking to add more hardware to its lone bronze medal from 1982.
Finland, which returns to the World Championship after missing the 2022 edition, enters its third tournament in the last four years.
[ALSO READ: Everything you need to know about Pool C of the FIVB Men’s World Championship]
Meanwhile, in Pool F, Ukraine meets Belgium at 2:00 p.m.
Belgium, making its ninth World Championship appearance, returns after missing the 2022 edition.
Ukraine, which reached the quarterfinals for the first time in 2022, aims to continue its upward trajectory in this year’s competition.
(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.]