Italy, Japan, USA arrive for FIVB Volleyball Men's World Championship in PH

Defending champion Italy, ranked World No. 2, and fan favorite Japan, ranked World No. 5, have arrived in the Philippines for the FIVB Volleyball Men's World Championship 2025.

Italy, captained by Simone Giannelli, is aiming for a second consecutive world title after winning the 2022 edition and is grouped with Ukraine, Belgium, and Algeria in Pool F.

Japan, led by stars Yuki Ishikawa, Ran Takahashi, and Yuji Nishida, is the 10-time Asian Champion and best-ranked Asian team globally, expecting a boost from Filipino fans.

Team USA, ranked 6th globally and led by setter Micah Christenson, has also arrived for the championship.

World No. 1 Poland, the 2022 runner-up, is set to face The Netherlands, Qatar, and Romania in Pool B, and is considered a strong contender after winning the latest VNL.

The FIVB Worlds, featuring 32 nations for the first time and the Philippines hosting solo for the first time, will run from September 12-28 at the Mall of Asia Arena and Araneta Coliseum.

Other strong contenders for the crown include Olympic back-to-back winner France and third-ranked Brazil.