Preparations for FIVB Men’s World Championship 2025 enter high gear

Preparations for the historic FIVB Men’s World Championship (MWCH) 2025 are intensifying as the countdown dwindles to just nine months before the tournament kicks off in the Philippines from September 12 to 28.

As the nation’s first-ever solo hosting of the prestigious event, 31 of the world’s best volleyball teams will converge on Philippine soil for an unforgettable competition. Matches will be held at premier venues—the SM Mall of Asia Arena and the Smart Araneta Coliseum—setting the stage for world-class volleyball action.

FIRST Lady Liza Araneta Marcos and William Vincent “Vinny” Araneta Marcos (seventh and sixth from left) with (from left) Philippine National Volleyball Federation (PNVF) vice president Ricky Palou and secretary-general Donaldo Caringal, Philippine Sports Commission chairman Richard Bachmann, Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco, Senator Alan Peter Cayetano, Volleyball World CEO Finn Taylor, PNVF president Ramon “Tats” Suzara and national team mainstay Bryan Bagunas make the victory sign after the first organizational meeting for the world championship in Malacañang on April 30, 2024.

Commitment to Excellence

“This is the time when the preparations and organization start to be meticulous every single day. As the host country for the first time—and solo host at that—the mission borders from an excellent to almost perfect hosting of the event,” shared Ramon “Tats” Suzara, head of the Philippine National Volleyball Federation (PNVF) and newly elected president of the Asian Volleyball Confederation.

Suzara’s leadership brings confidence, given his pivotal role in the country’s co-hosting of the FIBA World Cup 2023.

High-Level Government Support

A cornerstone of this effort has been the Philippine government’s unwavering support. The Local Organizing Committee (LOC), led by First Lady Liza Araneta Marcos, Vinny Marcos, Senator Alan Peter Cayetano, and Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco, has secured Malacañang’s commitment to ensure the championship’s success.

Fabio Azevedo, FIVB’s president, lauded President Marcos and his family for their enthusiasm, stating, “It’s fantastic to see the President’s commitment to promoting volleyball and the euphoria for the sport in the Philippines.”

Activities Leading Up to the Championship

The LOC has lined up significant events ahead of the championship, including:

International Road Show: Showcasing the tournament globally.
Mascot Contest and Launch: Engaging the local and international volleyball community.
Trophy Tour: Bringing the championship trophy closer to fans.
Test Event and Media Broadcast Conference: Ensuring all systems are in place.
100-Day Countdown in June: A celebratory milestone.

Pool Composition and Competitive Landscape

The Philippines will face tough competition in Pool A, which includes:

Tunisia: 11-time African champion
Egypt: Current African champion and Paris Olympian
Iran: 2024 Asian championship runner-up

Other notable pools include:

Pool B: World No. 1 Poland, Romania, Qatar, and The Netherlands.
Pool C: Volleyball Nations League champion France, Korea, Finland, and Argentina.
Pool H: Brazil, China, Czech Republic, and Serbia.

Looking Ahead

With the world’s volleyball elite coming to the Philippines, the FIVB MWCH 2025 promises to be a landmark event. The nation is poised to deliver not just an excellent hosting but also an unforgettable celebration of volleyball, further cementing its place in the international sporting arena.