Japan, USA dark horses for Volleyball World Championship

Japan and the United States are considered dark horse contenders in the 2025 FIVB Volleyball Men's World Championship in Manila.

Japan, ranked fifth in the world, will rely on their battle-tested troika of opposite hitter Yuji Nishida and outside spikers Yuki Ishikawa and Ran Takahashi.

The USA team, ranked sixth globally and bronze medalists in the Paris Olympics, will feature veteran setter Micah Christenson, seasoned libero Erik Shoji, and 2024 Paris Olympics Second Best Middle Blocker Taylor Averill.

The Americans, whose last title was in 1986, fell to Poland in the quarterfinals in the 2022 edition but are carrying momentum from their Paris Olympics bronze medal finish.

Japan finished sixth in the Volleyball Nations League 2025 and will compete in Pool G alongside Canada, Turkey, and Libya.

With their complete troika, Japan is poised to challenge favorites such as defending champion Italy, world no. 1 Brazil, and powerhouse Poland.