Ramon Suzara, President of the Asian Volleyball Confederation and head of the Philippine National Volleyball Federation, emphasized the significant opportunity presented by the 2025 FIVB Men’s Volleyball World Championship, which the Philippines will host from September 12 to 28.
Suzara highlighted that the event offers the national team a valuable chance to improve their global ranking through increased exposure.
“The tournament will be highly competitive with defending champions Italy and Olympic champions France in the mix, especially as they head into the round of 16. However, for the Philippines, the focus is on enhancing the team’s performance,” Suzara remarked.
The draw, conducted by Slovenian team captain Tine Urnaut, Dutch spiker Namir Abdel Aziz, and Thai player Nootsara Tomkom, has set the stage for an exciting competition.
The Alas Pilipinas national men’s volleyball team, currently ranked 64th in the world, will face formidable opponents in the championship. They are grouped with 15th-ranked Iran, 24th-ranked Tunisia, and reigning African champions Egypt. The draw took place at the Solaire Grand Ballroom in Pasay City.
Newly appointed head coach Angiolino Frigiolini acknowledged the tough competition ahead but noted that teams like Italy, France, and Poland are particularly formidable. “It’s a significant responsibility and a challenge for us,” Frigiolini said.
The tournament format includes a single-round robin within Pool A, where the top two teams will advance to the knockout stage.
In other pools, top-ranked Poland is set to compete in Pool B with Romania, Qatar, and the Netherlands. Pool E features world number 4 Slovenia, Chile, Bulgaria, and world number 8 Germany. Pool G includes the current Asian champions Japan along with Libya, Turkey, and Canada. Pool H comprises world number 7 Brazil, China, Czechia, and world number 10 Serbia.
Reigning world champions Italy are placed in Pool F with African championship runner-up Algeria, Belgium, and world number 14 Ukraine. Olympic and Volleyball Nations League champions France are in Pool C with South Korea, Finland, and world number 9 Argentina. Pool D includes world number 3 USA alongside Colombia, Portugal, and world number 12 Cuba.
Frigiolini and the Alas Pilipinas team are scheduled to depart for Italy in two weeks for a training camp and a series of friendly matches with Italian club squads in preparation for the championship.
