All roads lead to Manila as the Philippines hosts the FIVB men’s Volleyball World Championship for the first time, running Sept. 13–28 at the Mall of Asia Arena and Smart-Araneta Coliseum.

Thirty-two of the world’s best teams — including Olympic, world and VNL champions, dark horses and crowd favorites — converge on Philippine shores for what promises to be one of the biggest editions yet. Organizers expect record attendance, with special attention on the explosive opener at MOA Arena.

Host team Alas Pilipinas, currently ranked world No. 82, opens Pool A against 11-time African champion Tunisia (No. 42) in the lone MOA Arena match at 7 p.m. Coach Angiolino Frigoni called on fans to pack the arena and back the team in its historic debut.

Alas Pilipinas ready for Battle

Alas Pilipinas arrives after a year-long build-up under Italian mentor Angiolino Frigoni and a final training camp in Europe. The final roster features seasoned spikers Bryan Bagunas and Marck Espejo, with wingers Leo Ordiales, Michaelo Buddin, Jade Disquitado and Louie Ramirez. Middle blockers Kim Malabunga, Peng Taguibolos and Lloyd Josafat anchor the front, while liberos Josh Ybañez, Jack Kalingking and Vince Lorenzo handle coverage. Setters Owa Retamar and Eco Adajar will run the offense.

“We need you. As supporters, we need you because we are going to fight together against Tunisia. Don’t let us fight alone,” Frigoni urged. Bagunas and Espejo emphasized the squad’s balance of veteran leadership and young energy and said they are proud to show Philippine volleyball on the world stage.

Volleyball world turns to Manila

The opening ceremony begins at 4:30 p.m., led by FIVB president Fabio Azevedo and PNVF president Ramon “Tats” Suzara. South Korean group BOYNEXTDOOR will headline the show, joined by local acts. The event is organized by the PNVF with a Local Organizing Committee chaired by Suzara and co-chaired by William Vincent “Vinny” Araneta Marcos, Senator Alan Peter Cayetano and Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco.

Though Tunisia will be without star Wassim Ben Tara, veterans Hamza Nagga and Elyes Karamosli present a stiff challenge for the hosts. After the opener, the rest of the 32 squads — including Poland, Italy, France, Brazil, Japan, USA, Slovenia, Germany, Argentina and Cuba — begin their campaigns on Sept. 14 at MOA Arena and Smart-Araneta Coliseum. The preliminary phase runs through Sept. 18, with the top two in each group advancing to the knockout stage and the Round of 16.