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The stage is set for the return of import action in the Premier Volleyball League (PVL) as the 2025 Reinforced Conference fires off on October 7, featuring 12 professional teams eager to battle for supremacy.

At Thursday’s press launch in Pasig, PVL president Ricky Palou said fans can expect a heightened level of competition with foreign reinforcements joining the fray. 

“It’s going to be more competitive than usual because it’s Reinforced. We still have to see the caliber and skills of the imports, but whoever wins the championship, it’s anybody’s game.” Palou said. 

The tournament will conclude by the end of November to give way to the Philippines’ participation in the 2025 Southeast Asian Games in Thailand.

Imports Ready to Shine

All squads have retooled their lineups with international talents aiming to spark deep runs this conference:

Creamline: American spiker Courtney Schwan seeks redemption after back-to-back bronze finishes.

PLDT High Speed Hitters: Russian ace Anastasiia Bavykina leads their title defense.

Galeries: Montenegrin standout Jelena Cvijovic returns.

Nxled: Spanish hitter Paola Martinez Vela joins the lineup.

Akari Chargers: American Annie Mitchem bolsters their attack.

Capital1: Ukrainian Oleksandra Bytsenko leads the charge.

Chery Tiggo: Cuban veteran Yunieska Robles Batista powers their campaign.

Choco Mucho: American Anyse Marlee Smith joins the roster.

Cignal: Greek attacker Eva Chantava boosts their offense.

Farm Fresh: Belgian power hitter Helene Rousseaux strengthens the team.

Zus Coffee: American Anna DeBeer joins the squad.

Streamlined Tournament Format

Teams are divided into two pools and play a single round-robin within groups.

Top three teams per pool advance to the second round, facing only the bottom three squads of the opposite pool.

Rankings follow the FIVB system: total wins, match points, set ratio, and point ratio.

After the second round, all teams are re-ranked (1–12). The bottom four are eliminated, while the top eight move to the knockout quarterfinals.

Quarterfinals, semifinals, and medal matches will all be one-game, do-or-die battles.

With powerhouse imports, revamped rosters, and a format designed for unpredictability, the 2025 PVL Reinforced Conference is shaping up to be one of the league’s most competitive showdowns yet.

De La Salle University capped a flawless elimination round run in the 2025 V-League Collegiate Challenge after outlasting University of Santo Tomas in a gripping five-set showdown, 23-25, 25-21, 25-23, 24-26, 15-12, on Monday, September 29, at the FilOil Centre in San Juan.

Fueled by a balanced attack, the Green Spikers leaned on Issa Ousseini’s all-around brilliance, finishing with 20 points built on 13 attacks and seven blocks. 

Rui Ventura came off the bench to spark La Salle with 18 points, including the decisive hit that gave them breathing room in the fifth set. 

Eugene Gloria also played a stellar two-way game, chipping in 17 attacks, 16 excellent receptions, and a backrow kill that sealed the sweep.

Italy cemented its volleyball dynasty after overpowering Bulgaria, 25-21, 25-17, 17-25, 25-10, to capture back-to-back FIVB Men’s World Championship titles before a record crowd of 16,429 at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.

Yuri Romano spearheaded the win, delivering a masterclass in the gold medal showdown with 22 points built on 16 powerful attacks, one block, and five consecutive service aces that broke the game wide open late in the second set. 

Mattia Bottolo and Alessandro Michieletto complimented Romano's brilliance, providing steady power with 13 and 11 points, respectively.

The International Volleyball Federation (FIVB) and Volleyball icon legend Senator Leila Barros have officially announced that the Philippines has been awarded the hosting rights for the 2029 FIVB Volleyball Women’s World Championship. 

“Hello everybody! The World Championship 2029 will be in the Philippines! Mahal ko kayo!” Barros declared.

This will mark the very first time the prestigious tournament takes place in the country.

Currently hosting the FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship 2025, the Philippines has impressed the international volleyball community with its organizational excellence, world-class venues, and the electric energy of Filipino fans.

By 2027 Women’s World Championship – To be co-hosted by the United States and Canada, marking the first-ever women’s world championship in North America.

And, by 2029 Men’s World Championship has been awarded to Qatar, bringing the men’s tournament to the Middle East for the very first time.

Two groundbreaking milestones that reflect volleyball’s growing global reach and expanding legacy.

The event, which concludes today, has showcased the nation’s passion for the sport and its ability to host competitions at the highest level.

Looking ahead to 2029, the Women’s World Championship is seen as a historic opportunity to further strengthen volleyball’s legacy in the Philippines and across Asia. 

Beyond the competition itself, the event is expected to inspire future generations of athletes and cement the country’s status as one of the sport’s global hubs.

World No. 1 Poland bounced back from a semifinal heartbreak to end their campaign on a winning note, capturing the 2025 FIVB Men’s Volleyball World Championship bronze medal on Sunday, September 28, at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.

The Poles clinched their first-ever bronze medal finish in a hard-fought four-set clash against dark-horse Czechia, 25-18, 23-25, 25-22, 25-21, in front of a 6,535 electrifying crowd. 

Brazilian volleyball legend Leila Barros is set for a heartfelt homecoming in Manila as she arrives on Thursday, September 25, for the 2025 FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship.

Barros, a household name in Philippine volleyball since her first visit in 2000 for the FIVB World Grand Prix, will serve as guest of honor during the tournament’s semifinals and finals this weekend at the Mall of Asia Arena.

Now 53 and a senator in Brazil, Barros remains a beloved figure among Filipino fans. At the turn of the millennium, her skill, charisma, and passion for the game helped ignite the rise of Philippine volleyball, inspiring a generation to embrace the sport.

Last Saturday, September 27, Barros held a press conference and a special Meet and Greet session with local media and fans, offering an opportunity to reconnect with the community that still holds her in high regard.

A decorated opposite spiker for Brazil’s national team, Barros’ international career includes two Olympic bronze medals (1996, 2000) and four golds at the FIVB World Grand Prix. Notably, she helped Brazil clinch bronze during the Manila leg of the Grand Prix in 2000—a moment that endeared her even more to Filipino supporters.

Barros accepted the invitation of Philippine National Volleyball Federation (PNVF) President Ramon “Tats” Suzara to attend the FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship 2025, saying the country’s hosting is a clear sign of how far volleyball has grown in the Philippines since she first played here.

“In fact, for years I’ve been receiving invitations to come to the Philippines,” said the 53-year-old volleyball player-turned-senator during a press conference at the SM Mall of Asia Arena on Saturday morning.

“Then the longing really hit. I thought it was the right time to come to the Philippines, because I believe this is the moment when Filipino volleyball is growing,” she added.

Barros first captured the hearts of Filipino fans with her skill and charisma during Brazil’s 2000 FIVB Volleyball World Grand Prix campaign, before making a brief return in the Manila leg of the same tournament in 2004.

The two-time Olympic bronze medalist said it felt like she had never left, recalling the warmth she experienced on her first visit, when Filipino fans welcomed her with overwhelming support.

“The memory that stands out the most for me is the natural empathy I felt as soon as I entered the stadium and with Filipino people,” she said.

“It’s funny — when I was here, people were holding signs that said ‘Leila for President’ and ‘Leila, Marry Me.’ It seems like they could see the future, since I eventually became a senator in Brazil,” Barros added.

Barros, who endured a five-day journey after her flight was delayed, said it was all worth it the moment she reconnected with the fans who had embraced her since the early 2000s. She will be attending the final two days of the FIVB World Championship before flying back home.

She expressed her utmost gratitude to Suzara and the rest of the PNVF for bringing her back to the Philippines and allowing her to be part of a historic moment for volleyball in the country.

“I’m also very surprised that it’s already been 21 years since I was last here, yet I still receive so much love from Asian and Filipino fans on social media,” said Barros.

“I carry such good memories with me. I always tell people: we can leave sports, but sports never really leaves us.”

With her return, Barros not only celebrates Brazil’s volleyball legacy but also rekindles her connection with the Philippines, a country where her influence remains timeless.

There’s no secret formula behind Czechia’s improbable march to the semifinals of the 2025 FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship. Just determination, untapped potential, and belief—qualities that came to life in their four-set triumph over Iran, 22-25, 27-25, 25-20, 25-21, at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.

Not widely considered contenders in a group that featured powerhouse Brazil, Czechia has defied expectations with steady play and resilience. Now, they find themselves just two wins away from a historic championship run.

“I don’t really know [what makes this team unique],” admitted head coach Jiri Novak. “I knew that in this team, I had players with big, big potential. I saw a lot of positive things during practices.”

The Czech squad is riding a three-match winning streak and will now face surging Bulgaria, which shocked world No. 4 USA in a thrilling five-set comeback, in the semifinals.

“We will play against one of two big teams, Bulgaria or the USA. We will see, we will see,” Novak said before the Bulgaria-USA clash. “Bulgaria is a young team, and the USA also, because they are preparing for the 2028 Olympic Games. We will see.”

The semifinals concluded last Saturday, September 27, at the MOA Arena, with Poland, the world’s top-ranked squad, taking on defending champion Italy in the other pairing. The gold and bronze medal matches are scheduled for Sunday, September 28, at the same venue.

From underdogs to semifinalists, Czechia’s rise is shaping up to be one of the biggest stories of this year’s World Championship—a reminder that in volleyball, belief and teamwork can sometimes topple tradition and reputation.

Bulgaria delivered the shock of the tournament, pulling off a stunning reverse sweep of world No. 4 USA, 21-25, 19-25, 25-17, 25-22, 15-13, to storm into the semifinals of the FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship before a roaring crowd of 10,474 at the Mall of Asia Arena.

Ranked only No. 11 in the world, the Bulgarians looked doomed after dropping the first two sets but clawed back with grit and composure, capped by middle blocker Iliya Petkov’s clutch hit that sealed their first Final Four berth in nearly two decades.

Rising star Aleksandar “Alex” Nikolov powered the comeback, erupting for 29 points on 26 attacks, two aces, and a block, including seven in the tense decider. He was ably supported by Asparuh Asparuhov (12 points) and Petkov (10 points), while 18-year-old playmaker Simeon “Moni” Nikolov orchestrated the offense with 48 sets.

“First of all, we had a little bit of luck; nobody’s going to deny that. But I think the main thing was not giving up,” said Moni Nikolov. “This was looking like the absolute worst game of my career. Then, thanks to my incredible teammates, they pulled me out of the mud.”

The Bulgarians forced a fifth set after Asparuhov capped a 3-0 rally to close the fourth, then leaned on balanced scoring to withstand a late American surge. Using Alex Nikolov as a decoy, Bulgaria set up Petkov for the match-winner that left the USA stunned.

For the Americans, Ethan Champlin had 17 points, Jordan Ewert 15, and Merrick McHenry 12, while captain Micah Christenson tallied 55 excellent sets. But the Americans bowed out in the quarterfinals for the second straight World Championship after finishing sixth in 2022.

Bulgaria, bronze medalists in 2006, will next face world No. 17 Czechia in the semifinals, while Poland and Italy contest the other Final Four pairing in what is now guaranteed to be an all-European finale.

Iran proved once again that it thrives under pressure, outlasting world No. 9 Serbia in another five-set thriller to punch its ticket to the quarterfinals of the 2025 FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship on Tuesday at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.

The Iranians, ranked 16th in the world, battled to a hard-fought 23-25, 25-19, 24-26, 25-22, 15-9 victory—just days after surviving hosts Philippines in a dramatic pool-play decider, 21-25, 25-21, 17-25, 25-23, 22-20.

Far from being rattled by their string of five-setters, Iran head coach Roberto Piazza said he sees them as proof of his team’s resilience and growth.

“Worried? No,” Piazza said after the win. “I remember one player telling me during the game against the Philippines, ‘Coach, don’t be worried.’ I’ve never been worried in my life. We prepared the team—and all the coaches—to reach this level, to be able to play three games in a row. This is the mindset we are using in the tournament.”

Still, Piazza expressed some frustration, noting that his squad is capable of more. “These five-setters are the experiences we need to learn on the court. We have 11 completely new players, and until now, they are still not fully able to understand my volleyball language. That’s why I’m a little disappointed,” he admitted.

With the win, Iran became the last Asian nation standing in the 32-team tournament. But Piazza quickly shifted his focus to the looming quarterfinal against Czechia, with a Final Four berth at stake.

“Sorry, I’ve already stopped celebrating. My players need to stop immediately too because our next opponent played earlier at 3:30. Their game was not as long as ours, so we have less time to recover. We need to focus mentally on everything,” Piazza stressed.

Czechia, meanwhile, clinched its first-ever quarterfinal appearance as an independent nation after sweeping Tunisia, 25-19, 25-18, 25-23, in its Round of 16 match. The Czechs are already assured of at least an eighth-place finish, surpassing their previous best of 10th in 2010.

For Iran, the road only gets tougher. But if their back-to-back five-set victories are any indication, this team has no plans of backing down.

The United States weathered an early storm before flexing its championship pedigree, rallying past Slovenia, 19-25, 25-22, 25-17, 25-20, to book a spot in the quarterfinals of the 2025 FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship on Monday at the Mall of Asia Arena.

The world No. 4 Americans looked shaky at the start, falling behind 10-15 and conceding the opening set. But once they settled in, they proved too strong, reeling off three straight sets to secure the Round of 16 victory in just under two hours.

Now undefeated, USA sets up a high-stakes clash with fellow unbeaten Bulgaria on Thursday for a place in the semifinals. Bulgaria earlier swept Portugal, 25-19, 25-23, 25-23, sealing its first Top 8 finish in 15 years.

Opposite hitter Gabriel Garcia was unstoppable, delivering a monster performance with seven aces and a game-high 26 points built on 15 kills and four blocks. He also tallied 11 digs to anchor the Americans on both ends.

Ethan Champlin and Jordan Ewert chipped in 15 and 14 points, while middle blockers Jeffrey Jendryk II and Merrick McHenry combined for 16. 

Team captain and playmaker Micah Christenson controlled the tempo with 39 excellent sets, while libero Erik Shoji steadied the floor defense with 11 digs.

“I think we kind of needed that first-set adversity,” Christenson admitted. “Slovenia came out serving really well, as many teams tend to do against us. But we increased our service pressure, dialed in our passing, and fought off some big serves. It wasn’t the prettiest, but this team finds ways to win.”

Riding momentum from their bronze medal at the Paris Olympics and hungry to end a 39-year world championship drought, the Americans showed poise under pressure. 

After squaring the match with a dominant 8-1 run in the second set, they never looked back, dictating the pace through aggressive serving and balanced attacking.

Slovenia, the world No. 6 and a familiar Top 5 contender on the global stage, struggled to keep up in the absence of star spiker Rok Mozic, who sat out with a knee injury. 

Nik Mujanovic and Ziga Stern led the Slovenians with nine and eight points, but no player broke double digits in the loss.

Despite the setback, Slovenia exits with pride, having reached the Round of 16 in the tournament’s largest-ever edition featuring 32 nations.

Crowd favorite Japan gave its Filipino fans one last reason to cheer, dispatching Libya in straight sets, 25-20, 25-15, 25-22, in a graceful exit from the 2025 FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship on Wednesday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Still reeling from back-to-back losses that dashed their Round of 16 hopes, the Ryujin Nippon came out determined to finish strong. They never trailed in any set, their sharp execution and spirited play energizing the predominantly pro-Japanese crowd inside the Big Dome.

Kento Miyaura led the charge with 15 points on 11 kills, three aces, and a block, while captain Yuki Ishikawa added 12 markers. Ran Takahashi and Larry Ik Evbade-Dan chipped in 11 and 10 points, respectively, with Shunichiro Sato contributing eight. Setter Motoki Eiro orchestrated the attack masterfully, dishing out 32 excellent sets.

After the match, Miyaura shared a heartwarming moment with Libyan libero-captain Foad Elmaarug, 42, the tournament’s oldest player, as the two exchanged jerseys at center court — a gesture of mutual respect that drew thunderous applause from fans of both teams.

“We lost the last two games, and along with that, we lost our confidence,” Takahashi admitted. “But we knew we had to change our mindset and come back in this game.”

Japan, which had high hopes heading into the Worlds, had suffered deflating straight-set defeats to Turkey and Canada earlier in the pool stage. Their win against Libya, however, showcased their trademark speed and balance, serving as a reminder of their world-class pedigree.

Libya, returning to the global stage for the first time since 1982, found its bright spots in Ikhbayri Ahmed Abulubaba Amhimmid, who tallied 11 points, and Mohamed Ikhbayri Abulababa, who added eight.

The victory may not have extended Japan’s campaign, but for the fans who filled the Araneta, it was more than just a consolation — it was a celebration of resilience, unity, and the enduring bond between team and supporters.

In other tournament highlights, world No. 1 Poland rallied past the Netherlands, Turkey clinched Pool G, and USA swept Pool D, as the Round of 16 picture continued to take shape across Manila and Pasay.

The world No. 16 squad announced its arrival with a stunning sweep of then-No. 5 Japan in its pool play opener, setting the tone for what would become a dominant run. That upset, followed by a gritty 3-1 victory over Libya and a clinical 25-21, 25-16, 27-25 sweep of world No. 7 Canada, catapulted Turkiye to the top of Pool G.

For head coach Slobodan Kovac, the mission has been clear from the beginning: to prove that Turkiye is far from ordinary. 

Even with qualification for the Round of 16 already secured before facing Canada, Kovac refused to let his players relax, applying relentless pressure and insisting that every match carried weight. Not just for positioning, but also for valuable ranking points.

That demanding approach has rubbed off on his players, particularly opposite spiker Adis Lagumdzija. 

Against Canada, Lagumdzija hammered 14 points, embodying the competitive fire Kovac has instilled. The towering hitter admitted that while they expected a grueling challenge from Japan in the opener, sweeping the Asian powerhouse became the confidence boost that fueled their run through pool play.

A straight-set play over Chile sealed Bulgaria’s flawless run in Pool E, as the world No. 12 squad surged into the FIVB Men’s World Championship knockout rounds with a spotless 3-0 record.

The Bulgarians left no doubt of their dominance, dismantling Chile, 25-17, 25-12, 25-12, on Wednesday, September 17, at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City. With the win, Bulgaria secured the top spot in their group and is set to face the Pool D runner-up — likely Portugal or Cuba — in the Round of 16.

Alas Pilipinas’s impressive performance at the FIVB Men’s World Championship has been seen as a key moment for Philippine volleyball, securing the nation’s spot on the global stage. 

“It was a dream come true,” said Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) president Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino, after the Philippines defeated world No. 21 Egypt, 29-27, 23-25, 25-21, 25-21, in front of an enthusiastic home crowd at the SM Mall of Asia Arena. 

Tolentino stressed that this victory was more than just a win—it was a moment in history. “These men have made their mark in volleyball history, and their success will inspire the next generation to follow in their footsteps as role models,” he said. 

The POC chief acknowledged that Alas Pilipinas exceeded all expectations. “It was a long shot. We never aimed that high for Alas Pilipinas in this world championship, but they did better than we hoped. I commend the PNVF and the entire sports community for this success.” 

Belgium pulled off one of the biggest shocks of the 2025 FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship, handing defending champion Italy its first defeat with a pulsating five-set victory on Tuesday night at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Despite letting a two-set lead slip away, the Belgians regrouped in the decisive fifth to prevail, 25-23, 25-20, 22-25, 21-25, 15-13, stunning the four-time world champions and putting themselves in prime position for a deep tournament run.

Rising star Ferre Reggers powered Belgium with a spectacular 31-point performance, delivering the big hits when it mattered most. The outside hitter credited their aggressive approach and composure for the upset win.

“We started really good and really aggressive like we did two days ago. We knew what to do, the same thing, and that’s exactly what we did,” Reggers said. “From the start we felt there was a chance, because we’re playing at the highest level we’ve ever played.”

The victory builds on Belgium’s momentum from its opening win over Ukraine, boosting their confidence against one of the world’s volleyball giants.

Now at 2-0 in Pool F, Belgium has already secured its place in the Round of 16—cementing its status as a dangerous dark horse in the tournament.

Italy, meanwhile, faces a tougher road in its title defense, with its aura of invincibility finally cracked by a surging Belgian side.

Egypt head coach Marco Bonitta lauded Alas Pilipinas after the hosts’ stunning four-set victory over the reigning African champions in the 2025 FIVB Men’s Volleyball World Championship at the Mall of Asia Arena.

The three-time Olympian admitted that his squad did not play at its usual level but emphasized that the Filipinos fully deserved their historic triumph.

“First of all, congratulations to the Philippine team because they played one amazing, consistent match, especially on serve, blocking, and defense,” Bonitta said. “They had clear options in transition, especially in attack after defense. They deserve to win. Today wasn’t our best level of volleyball. We will try to do our best after tomorrow because we have to win against Tunisia.”

Bonitta noted that he was not entirely surprised by the performance of the Angiolino Frigoni-coached Nationals, pointing to their gritty showing against Tunisia in their opening match as an early sign of their potential.

“Philippines played amazing match today but we knew that before,” he said. “The level of this team was the third set against Tunisia and they lost only 25-23. We knew that we had to be patient to play—but they played better than us and they deserve it.”

Despite the loss, world No. 22 Egypt remains in contention for a Round of 16 berth, with all four Pool A squads holding identical 1-1 records. The Egyptians now prepare for a crucial showdown with Tunisia on Thursday, September 18.

Bonitta stressed the importance of his team resetting both mentally and physically ahead of the decisive clash.

Philippine National Volleyball Federation (PNVF) president Ramon “Tats” Suzara has firmly denied any direct involvement with online gambling platform 1XBET regarding the country’s hosting of the 2025 FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship.

The denial comes after Senate Games and Amusement Committee chairman Senator Erwin Tulfo flagged the tournament’s supposed sponsorship deal with the betting company, whose operations are considered illegal in the Philippines.

Tulfo criticized the visibility of 1XBET at the event, calling for an investigation by the Philippine National Police and the NBI. 

However, Suzara clarified that 1XBET logos do not appear on the taraflex courts at the Smart Araneta Coliseum or the Mall of Asia Arena, nor are they present on local tournament promotional materials.

Suzara explained that 1XBET’s presence is due to its role as a global sponsor of Volleyball World, the official international broadcasting partner of FIVB events, and not from any local deal with the PNVF.

“Wala,” Suzara told reporters when asked if 1XBET had dealings with the organizing committee. “Since the beginning, 1XBET is a global sponsor of FIVB. We met with PAGCOR and sabi nga nila, illegal dito [ang 1XBET].” Suzara told reporters, emphasizing that the organizing committee had no dealings with the betting company.

["Since the beginning, 1XBET is a global sponsor of FIVB. We met with PAGCOR and they confirmed that 1XBET is illegal here,"]

To clarify, Suzara showed that the 1XBET logo is visible only to international subscribers of Volleyball World’s streaming service and does not appear on Philippine TV broadcasts such as Cignal or One Sports.

"In the case of 1XBET, it is illegal in the Philippines. It’s not shown on domestic television. You can only see 1XBET in the global feed or if you are a subscriber of Volleyball World," he reiterated.

Suzara stressed that Senator Tulfo’s concerns may have stemmed from incomplete information, leading to the misconception that the PNVF had partnered directly with the gambling firm.

“This is a clear [case] we have to correct na baka mali ang information na kuha ni Sen. Tulfo. This would have been a good research bago i-inform si Sen.,” Suzara added.

Leo Ordiales’ night of redemption came just when Alas Pilipinas needed it most.

After a rocky FIVB Men’s World Championship debut where he managed only two points against Tunisia, the 22-year-old opposite spiker faced his share of criticism. He admitted the frustration was difficult to shake off, but he vowed to bounce back stronger.

On Tuesday night at the SM Mall of Asia Arena, Ordiales fulfilled that promise in the biggest way possible, by helping the Philippine carve out a historic first-ever Worlds victory.

Ordiales erupted for 21 points built on 19 attacks and three aces as Alas Pilipinas stunned World No. 21 Egypt in four sets, 29-27, 23-25, 25-21, 25-21.

He provided the firepower alongside Bryan Bagunas, who topscored with 25 points, and proved he could be a reliable weapon on the international stage.

From supposed token participants to giant slayers, Alas Pilipinas delivered a performance that forever etched their place in the country’s sporting history.

On a magical Tuesday night, the 82nd-ranked Nationals shocked the volleyball world, stunning African champions and world No. 21 Egypt with a 29-27, 23-25, 25-21, 25-21 victory at the FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship.

What was once thought impossible—winning even a set against the world’s top teams—turned into a breakthrough triumph that shook Pool A standings and gave the Filipinos (1-1) a fighting chance to reach the Round of 16.

“This is history, and I am so proud to be part of it,” said Bryan Bagunas, who spearheaded the attack with 25 points on 23 kills. “We came into this game with a ‘nothing to lose’ mentality, but we showed what we are made of. It’s just a proud moment for us and the country.”

Bagunas found support from Marck Espejo and Leo Ordiales, who atoned for his tough debut against Tunisia with 21 points in the bounce-back win. Espejo capped his 13-point performance with the game-winning block that sealed the victory.

“It was all instinct on my part,” Espejo said in Filipino. “After we won the first set, I felt that it was already an achievement. But we knew we could still do better.”

For Italian coach Angiolino Frigoni, the victory was more than just a number in the standings.

“I am very happy—not because we won, but because we were able to show that we can play well on this stage. They gave us an opportunity to win the match and we took it,” he said.

The win sets up a pivotal clash with world No. 16 Iran on Thursday at 5:30 p.m. at the Mall of Asia Arena. Iran, Asia’s top-ranked squad, is coming off a rebound victory over Tunisia but had previously lost to Egypt—making the duel against the Philippines even more intriguing.

From doubted hosts to history-makers, Alas Pilipinas has proven it belongs among the world’s best—and now, the dream of advancing is suddenly within reach.

Canada continues to prove that it belongs among the world’s elite, and this time, it did so at the expense of a regional powerhouse.

Two years after their basketball counterparts stunned Team USA in the 2023 FIBA World Cup on Philippine soil, Canada’s men’s volleyball team authored its own giant-slaying moment—sweeping world No. 5 Japan, 25-20, 25-23, 25-22, in Pool G of the 2025 FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship on Monday at the Mall of Asia Arena.

The victory not only secured world No. 11 Canada a direct ticket to the Round of 16, but also eliminated one of the tournament’s biggest crowd favorites, leaving Filipino fans shocked at the sight of Japan bowing out early.

For Canadian skipper Nicholas Hoag, the triumph was about more than just advancing—it was a statement to the rest of the volleyball world.

“We always try to beat them and to beat the best teams in the world. We have the potential to do it, we just need the consistency,” Hoag said. “You saw it today against one of the best teams in the world that we can beat them 3-0 despite Japan playing well. We can do something.”

The Canadians were also faced with an atmosphere unlike any other. With Ran Takahashi leading the charge, the majority of the MOA Arena crowd lent their energy to Japan, making every point a battle not just on the court but also in the stands.

Yet Hoag said the raucous environment only reinforced their composure.

“On the court, it felt very calm. Despite all the noise and obviously everyone cheering for Japan, it’s fun. It’s fun to play in an environment like that but I didn’t feel like we’re stressed or anything,” he said.

“We were very calm and collected and we applied the game plan the whole time, so it was great. Despite the young age of all the guys on the team, it proves a lot of maturity.”

While Japan heads home disappointed, Canada leaves Pool G emboldened. 

Their sweep over a top-five team echoes the same underdog spirit their basketball squad displayed two years ago—a reminder that Canadian sports, across disciplines, is fast rising on the world stage.

As the tournament continues, Canada’s fearless, composed squad is determined to prove it belongs among the world’s elite.