FIVB Volleyball Men's World Championship defending champion Italy lands in the Philippines to defend its title. FIVB MWCH 2025/Facebook
MANILA — Defending champion Italy and fan favorite Japan have arrived in the Philippines for the FIVB Volleyball Men's World Championship 2025.
World No. 2 Italy, captained by Simone Giannelli, is gunning for a second straight world title after winning the Year 2022 edition of the competition.
The Italians are grouped with Ukraine, Belgium, and Algeria in Pool F.
Japanese men's national volleyball team arrives in the Philippines for the FIVB Volleyball Men's World Championship 2025. FIVB MWCH 2025/Facebook
The World No. 5 team, Japan, led by their famed stars Yuki Ishikawa, Ran Takahashi, and Yuji Nishida, will aim for the gold this time and is expected to receive a boost from their Filipino fans as their seventh man.
The Japanese men's national volleyball team is also a 10-time Asian Champion and the best-ranked Asian team in the world.
World No. 6 Team USA is also here in the Philippines. FIVB MWCH 2025/Facebook
Team USA, ranked 6th globally and bannered by setter Micah Christenson, is also here in the Philippines for the World Championship.
On Sunday, as posted by the tourney's official page, World No. 1 Poland had landed in the country, which is set to face The Netherlands, Qatar, and Romania in Pool B.
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Among those who have arrived are Alas Pilipinas Men's rivals in Pool A — Iran, Egypt, and Tunisia.
The FIVB Worlds will run from September 12-28 at the Mall of Asia Arena and Araneta Coliseum.
Tickets are available at https://www.philippineswch2025.com/about/tickets.