The 2025 FIVB Men’s Volleyball World Championship begins Friday, Sept. 12, in Manila, with 32 national teams competing for global supremacy. The Smart Araneta Coliseum and SM Mall of Asia Arena will host the 66 matches until Sept. 28. Only the top two teams from each pool will advance to the knockout stage.
Pool A – Host debut
The Philippines make their first appearance, relying on Marck Espejo and Bryan Bagunas. Iran, despite losing Amin Esmaeilnezhad to injury, remain favorites through Amirhossein Esfandiar. Egypt’s key scorer is Abdelrhman Elhossiny, while Tunisia count on opposite Hamza Nagga.
Pool B – Poland’s dominance
World No.1 Poland headline with Wilfredo León and Bartosz Kurek. The Netherlands adjust without Nimir Abdel-Aziz, leaning on Bennie Tuinstra. Qatar’s Ibrahim Mohamed S Ibrahim is a major threat, while Romania return after four decades.
Pool C – France in pursuit
Olympic champions France, led by Jean Patry, seek their first world title. Argentina depend on Pablo Koukartsev and Luciano Palonsky. Finland’s Joonas Jokela and Korea’s Lim Dong-Hyeok are their respective scoring anchors.
Pool D – Clash of giants
The USA bring back Micah Christenson and Taylor Averill, with Kyle Ensing expected to lead their attack. Cuba counters with Miguel Ángel López and Marlon Yant. Portugal’s Alexandre Ferreira remains reliable, while Colombia debut.
Pool E – Slovenia vs. Germany
Slovenia trust Tonček Štern and Tine Urnaut despite missing Rok Možič. Germany field veteran György Grozer. Bulgaria pin hopes on Aleksandar Nikolov, while Chile look to Dusan Bonacic and Vicente Parraguirre.
Pool F – Italy favored
Even without Daniele Lavia, Italy’s depth makes them clear favorites. Ukraine and Belgium chase second, with Algeria aiming for valuable experience.
Pool G – Japan on top
Japan lead the pool. Canada and Türkiye vie for the second slot. Libya remain outsiders.
Pool H – Brazil’s balance
Brazil’s all-around strength sets them apart. Serbia, Czechia, and China are left to battle for the final ticket, with Serbia holding a slight edge.
Traditional powers Poland, France, USA, Slovenia, Italy, Japan, and Brazil are tipped to top their groups, but second-place races could deliver surprises.
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