Reigning champion Italy, Olympic gold medalist France, world No. 1 Poland, and other global volleyball powerhouses are set to battle in the FIVB Men’s Volleyball World Championship 2025, happening from September 12 to 28 at the SM Mall of Asia Arena and Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Philippine National Volleyball Federation president Ramon Suzara, who also heads the local organizing committee alongside William Vincent “Vinny” Araneta Marcos, Senator Alan Peter Cayetano, and Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco, described the upcoming competition as “elite at its highest level.”

With 32 teams competing, the world championship promises the strongest edition yet, bringing together Olympic champions, world champions, and the best-ranked teams in volleyball.

Poland, France, and Italy lead the title race

Poland, the world’s top-ranked team, enters Manila with momentum after sweeping Italy in the Volleyball Nations League finals in China. The silver medalists of the Paris 2024 Olympics are led by star spiker Wilfredo Leon and VNL MVP Jakub Kochanowski.

France, ranked No. 4, comes in as back-to-back Olympic champions. Behind Paris MVP Earvin Ngapeth, the French squad is eager to bounce back from its early exit in the 2022 world championship.

Defending champion Italy, ranked No. 2, looks to retain its crown with Best Setter Simone Giannelli and Best Outside Spiker Alessandro Michieletto leading the way. Italy aims to avenge its VNL loss to Poland after shocking them in the 2022 edition.

Brazil, world No. 3, also remains a top contender, featuring Alan Souza, Ricardo Lucarelli, Mathes Bispo dos Santos, and veteran setter Bruno Fernando. After settling for bronzes in recent tournaments, Brazil eyes redemption in Manila.

Global stars and host Alas Pilipinas set for action

The pools are stacked with talent as Poland headlines Pool B with the Netherlands, Qatar, and Romania, while France leads Pool C with Argentina, Finland, and South Korea. Italy tops Pool F alongside Ukraine, Belgium, and Algeria, and Brazil commands Pool H with Serbia, Czech Republic, and China.

Other top 10 squads include Japan, USA, Slovenia, Germany, Argentina, and Cuba, ensuring world-class competition throughout the tournament.

Host team Alas Pilipinas, ranked No. 82, is placed in Pool A with Iran, Egypt, and Tunisia. The Philippines opens the tournament on September 12 against Tunisia at the Mall of Asia Arena, following an explosive opening ceremony headlined by K-pop group BOYNEXTDOOR.

With elite squads, powerhouse players, and strong local support, the FIVB Men’s Volleyball World Championship 2025 promises an unforgettable two-week showdown in Manila.