Japan, US, Slovenia eyed as dark horses in PH FIVB Worlds

Japan, the United States, and Slovenia are identified as potential dark horses in the upcoming FIVB Men's World Championships in the Philippines, which will be held from September 12 to 28.

Japan, a crowd favorite in the Philippines, will rely on key players Yuji Nishida, Ran Takahashi, and Yuki Ishikawa to bounce back after quarterfinal finishes at the Paris Olympics and 2025 Volleyball Nations League.

The US team, currently No. 6 in the world, boasts players such as Micah Christenson, Erik Shoji, and Taylor Averill, and placed sixth in the 2022 edition of the Worlds.

Slovenia, ranked No. 7, is considered a title contender, having reached the semifinals in all major tournaments behind star spiker Rok Mozic.

Japan is in Pool G with Canada, Turkey, and Libya; the USA is in Pool D with Cuba, Portugal, and Colombia; and Slovenia faces Germany, Bulgaria, and Chile in Pool E.

Other teams like Germany, Argentina, and Cuba are also mentioned as potential spoilers in the 32-team tournament, while Alas Pilipinas spearheads Pool A.