Alas Pilipinas takes on Tunisia in FIVB men’s tourney opening

The FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship 2025 will begin on September 12 with the opening match between the host nation, the Philippines, and Tunisia at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.

The 64th-ranked Philippine men’s volleyball team will play world No. 24 Tunisia, an 11-time African champion, to round out the largest edition of the global tournament.

After its tournament debut, Alas will take a four-day break before starting its home campaign against the current African champion and world No. 20 Egypt.

The host team will play Iran, the second-highest ranked Asian team, on September 18 to wrap up pool play in what may be a make-or-break matchup for a berth in the Round of 16.

The remaining eight-pool, 32-team field will be divided across the Pasay City site  and the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City.

Pools D featuring USA, E piloted by Slovenia, and H starring Brazil will play at the MOA Arena with Alas and Pool A.

Meanwhile, Pool B with top-ranked Poland, C with second-seeded France, F with powerhouse Italy and G with fan-favorite Japan will stage pool play at the Big Dome.

The knockout stage will take place in Pasay over eight days, from September 20 to September 28.