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| (Image Source: SunStar Philippines/FIVB) |
In a spectacular ceremony held last September 14, 2024 in Manila, the pools for the first phase of the 2025 FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship in the Philippines were drawn and the 32 qualified teams were distributed into eight single round-robin pools of four. The Drawing of Lots marked the start of the one-year countdown to the country's historic hosting of the prestigious global volleyball competition. The dazzling event that took place inside the Solaire Grand Ballroom in Pasay City was streamed on VBTV and the Volleyball World YouTube channel and aired in the Philippines on One Sports on free TV, One Sports+ on pay TV via Cignal and Pilipinas Live.
The top two teams in the final standings of each pool will advance to the knockout stage of the competition. During the ceremony, it is also announced that the World Championship will be staged at the Smart Araneta Coliseum and the SM Mall of Arena on September 12-28, 2025. The groupings for the World Championship group stage are as follows:
• Pool A: Philippines, Iran, Egypt, Tunisia
• Pool B: Poland, Netherlands, Qatar, Romania
• Pool C: France, Argentina, Finland, Korea
• Pool D: USA, Cuba, Portugal, Colombia
• Pool E: Slovenia, Germany, Bulgaria, Chile
• Pool F: Italy, Ukraine, Belgium, Algeria
• Pool G: Japan, Canada, Türkiye, Libya
• Pool H: Brazil, Serbia, Czechia, China
Nimir Abdel-Aziz, Captain of the Netherlands National Volleyball Team, said, “For us players it is really nice to play here because it is one of the countries where they don’t just cheer for the home team. Every game we played we felt the support of the {fans}…I think it is a good thing that they have the chance to organise a big event like this.” National team volleyball player from Thailand and FIVB Ambassador Nootsara TomKom said, “I am very happy and excited, it is the first time that South East Asia (the Philippines for men and Thailand for women) will be the host for this Championships." Tine Urnaut, Captain of Slovenia's men’s national volleyball team, commented, "It is very nice to play in front of these crowds. Also, when we played the VNL here in the Philippines, every game was almost full so I am looking forward to experiencing that also at the World Championships. I am sure it will be a great event.” According to Philippine National Volleyball Federation (PNVF) and newly-elected Asian Volleyball Confederation (AVC) President Tats Suzara, the country is ready to showcase its world-class hospitality and love for the sport when the tournament kicks off. Suzara emphasized the significance of the event not only for the Philippines but for the whole of Asia, as the region takes center stage in global volleyball. He told reporters, “This is for the Filipino fans. This is for Asia. With the Women’s World Championship in Thailand and the World Beach Championship in Australia, 2025 will be a huge year for Asian volleyball. Hosting the Men’s World Championship is a big honor, and we’re very proud to do it,” he added.
The following day, Philippine President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. and his family hosted the PH To Serve concert at the Malacanang Palace, the President’s official residence, which continues the setting off of the one-year countdown to the global volleyball competition. Performers, singers and dancers entertained over 800 distinguished guests including members of the FIVB and global volleyball family in what was a monumental moment for Philippine sport. President Marcos along with First Lady Marie Louise Araneta-Marcos and Local Organizing Committee Co-Chair William Vincent Marcos welcomed the guests at the Kalayaan Grounds of the Palace. The event featured lively performances from the medallists of the World Championships of Performing Arts Team Philippines alongside an audiovisual presentation highlighting the country’s national volleyball team. The occasion was further highlighted by the formal in-person introduction of the Philippines men’s national volleyball team who will represent the country in the FIVB Volleyball Men's World Championship 2025. Supported by the women’s national team and joined by the nation’s Paralympics team, the squad embraced the electric atmosphere as they prepare to compete on home soil next year. The announcement of the Philippines' hosting of the World Championship follows its fantastic hosting of major volleyball events including the Volleyball Nations League and various Asian Volleyball Confederation tournaments. The country’s passionate volleyball fan base and its reputation for delivering exceptional sporting events were key factors in securing the bid for the 2025 World Championship. The Drawing of Lots ceremony and the PH To Serve concert set the tone for what will be another fantastic celebration for volleyball in the country next year.
