The Philippines has officially entered the global volleyball spotlight as it co-hosts the 2025 FIVB Men’s Volleyball World Championship, marking the first time the country has hosted the prestigious men’s event.
Running from September 12 to 28, the tournament features 32 national teams, making it the largest edition in the competition’s history.
Two of Metro Manila’s premier venues — the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City and the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City — are hosting the matches
The opening ceremony, held at the Mall of Asia Arena, showcased Filipino culture through performances and pageantry.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. graced the event and performed the ceremonial serve, symbolizing the Philippines’ warm welcome to the world’s top volleyball nations.
FIVB President Fabio Azevedo praised the Philippines’ hosting, citing the country’s passionate fan base as one of the most vibrant in the world. He said, “The unmatched energy of the Filipino crowd elevates the championship experience for players and spectators alike.”
Crowd favorites such as USA, Brazil, Poland, and Italy headline the tournament, while at the same time, rising teams like Czechia and Iran are also eyeing breakthrough performances. The Philippines, fielding its own national squad, opened the competition against Tunisia, drawing strong local support.
The tournament format includes pool play, a Round of 16, quarterfinals, semifinals, and the championship match scheduled for September 28.
Beyond competition, the event will boost Philippine tourism as thousands of international fans, players, and media descend on Manila.
World-class athletes, electrifying matches, and Filipino hospitality are turning the 2025 FIVB Men’s Volleyball World Championship into a historic milestone for Philippine sports.
