The stage is officially set for the 2025 FIVB Men’s Volleyball World Championship, with the battle lines drawn following the highly anticipated Drawing of Lots (DOL) on Saturday night, September 14, at the Solaire Resort’s Grand Ballroom in Parañaque City, Philippines. This monumental event signifies the official start of preparations for the Philippines’ first-ever solo hosting of the prestigious global volleyball tournament, scheduled for September 12 to 28, 2025.
The Philippines, playing as the host nation, finds itself in Pool A alongside some of the strongest teams from across Africa and Asia. Pool A consists of 11-time African champions Tunisia, reigning African titleholders Egypt, and the 2024 Asian Championship runner-up Iran. The Filipino team, known as “Alas Pilipinas,” will have the unique advantage of playing on home soil with passionate local support behind them as they look to compete against these formidable opponents.
According to Philippine National Volleyball Federation (PNVF) chief Ramon “Tats” Suzara, who also serves as the recently-elected president of the Asian Volleyball Confederation, this event marks a significant moment not only for Philippine volleyball but for the sport across Southeast Asia. “This will be a historic event with unparalleled participation from different sectors—government, corporate, and sports industry leaders—united in delivering the best volleyball experience. Our hearts beat for the love of the game, and we’re ready to host the world,” Suzara emphasized.
In Pool B, world No. 1 Poland will face tough competition from Romania, Qatar, and the Netherlands, while Pool C features reigning Volleyball Nations League champion France, which will take on Korea, Finland, and Argentina. Meanwhile, the United States will be going head-to-head against Colombia, Portugal, and 2010 silver medalist Cuba in Pool D.
The competition in Pool E will be just as fierce, with Slovenia, Chile, Bulgaria, and 2014 bronze medalist Germany fighting for a place in the next stage. Reigning world champions Italy, who clinched the 2022 title, will face Algeria, Belgium, and Ukraine in Pool F. Filipino fan-favorites Japan, known for their passionate following in the region, will be competing in Pool G against Libya, European league 2023 winners Türkiye, and Canada. Finally, Pool H sees volleyball powerhouse Brazil take on China, Czech Republic, and Serbia.
Captains Nimir Abdel-Aziz of the Netherlands, Tine Urnaut of Slovenia, and Asian volleyball legend Nootsara Komkom from Thailand led the official drawing for the 32 teams. These teams will battle it out in a single round-robin format within their pools, competing at two of the Philippines’ top venues: the Smart Araneta Coliseum and the Mall of Asia Arena.
Only the top two teams from each pool will advance to the Round of 16, with the Philippines eager to put on a strong showing in front of their home crowd. FIVB General Director Fabio Azevedo, representing FIVB President Ary Graca, expressed his excitement about the historic moment for Philippine volleyball. “For the first time ever, the World Championships will be held in the Philippines, marking the first time the tournament has been hosted in Southeast Asia. The best 32 teams will compete on your home soil. Together, we will make this the best volleyball experience, filled with passion and courage from all teams,” Azevedo stated.
Suzara added that the event will leave a lasting legacy, inspiring the next generation of volleyball players across the Philippines and Southeast Asia. “Long after the tournament ends, the legacy of the World Championship will live on through programs that energize national teams, empower the youth, and strengthen communities through sports initiatives,” he said.
The ceremony also featured the symbolic turnover of the FIVB trophy to the Philippine Local Organizing Committee, led by co-chairperson William Vincent Araneta Marcos and Senator Alan Peter Cayetano. To cap off the evening, OPM legend Gary Valenciano gave an electrifying performance, much to the delight of the crowd, which included top local and international sports officials, coaches, and players.
With the draw now complete, the countdown to the 2025 FIVB Men’s Volleyball World Championship has officially begun. Volleyball fans across the world can look forward to a thrilling tournament filled with high-stakes matchups and unforgettable moments. The Philippines is ready to make history as it welcomes the world to its shores for one of the most prestigious events in global volleyball.
With top-tier teams like Italy, France, and Brazil in the mix, and the Philippines aiming to shine on home soil, the 2025 FIVB Men’s Volleyball World Championship promises to be a historic and thrilling event for volleyball fans worldwide.
