The world’s volleyball elite will battle for supremacy in the FIVB Men’s Volleyball World Championship 2025, set to take place from September 12 to 28 at the SM Mall of Asia Arena and Smart-Araneta Coliseum.

Tagged as heavy favorites are Poland, the world’s No. 1 ranked team; defending world champion Italy; Olympic gold medalist France; and Brazil, the world’s No. 3 squad. These perennial contenders headline the 32-team tournament, but a hungry field of challengers is poised to shake the order.

Japan, USA, and Slovenia Aim to Break the Ceiling

Crowd favorite Japan, led by Yuji Nishida, Ran Takahashi, and captain Yuki Ishikawa, enters Pool G eager to surpass its quarterfinal finishes in the 2024 Paris Olympics and 2025 Volleyball Nations League. With strong local fan support expected, the fifth-ranked Ryujin Nippon hope to finally break into the final four.

The USA, ranked sixth and inspired by a bronze medal from Paris, are anchored by setter Micah Christenson, libero Erik Shoji, and middle blocker Taylor Averill. They share Pool D with Cuba, Portugal, and Colombia, adding to their competitive buildup.

Slovenia, led by star spiker Rok Mozic, continues to thrive as a consistent semifinalist. Ranked No. 7, they face Germany, Bulgaria, and Chile in Pool E. Their recent fifth-place Olympic finish and semifinal presence in the 2025 VNL underline their dangerous form.

Germany, Argentina, and Cuba are also tipped as dark horses with the ability to challenge the established giants.

The Philippines, ranked No. 82 and spearheading Pool A, will face 11-time African champion Tunisia in the opening match at MOA Arena on September 12, following a star-studded ceremony headlined by K-POP group BOYNEXTDOOR.