THE battle lines have been drawn, with Alas Pilipinas, back-to-back Olympic champion France and the rest of the 32-team field getting a clearer picture of the warpath in the FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship 2025 Philippines.
The Philippines has been grouped with 11-time African champion Tunisia, current Africa titlist and Paris Olympians Egypt, and 2024 Asian Championship runner-up Iran as the pool assignments were set on Saturday during the drawing of lots at Solaire Hotel and Casino.
Back-to-back Olympic champion France also faces a tough early task against Korea, Finland and Argentina.
World No. 1 Poland plays against Romania, Qatar and the Netherlands in the prestigious tournament set Sept. 12 to 28 in the Philippines.
Preparations shift to high gear as teams can now consider early possible scenarios, with the United States clashing with Colombia, Portugal and 2010 silver medalist Cuba.
“It will be historic as the LOC represents a unique ensemble of active and passionate participation from various sectors such as Government, corporate, sports industry changemakers and trailblazers, and volunteers, all determined to deliver their best; all with hearts beating for the love of the game.e,” PNVF chief and recently-elected Asian Volleyball Confederation president Ramon “Tats” Suzara said.
Slovenia has been grouped with Chile, Bulgaria and 2014 bronze medalist Germany.
Italy plays the preliminaries against Algeria,
Belgium and Ukraine.
Filipino fan favorite Japan is grouped with Libya, Lba, European league 2023 winner Turkiye ans Canada.
Brazil battles 2024 Challenge Cup winner China,
Czech Republic and Serbia.
“Far after the champions have been awarded, the lights have been turned off and the sports hall has been closed, It will be historic, memorable, and even meaningful, as the legacy of the World Championships will carry on in the form of programs to energize national teams of lower category federations; programs to empower the youth, as they start dreaming of making it in the sport; and programs to strengthen communities through sports education campaigns and entrepreneurial initiatives,” Suzara said.
FIVB General Director Fabio Azevedo turned over the FIVB trophy to FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship 2025 Philippines co- Chairperson William Vincent Araneta Marcos and Co-Chairperson Senator Alan Peter S. Cayetano
