Philippines become third nation to host and debut at Men’s World Championship
The Philippines will make their first appearance at the FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship when they host the 2025 edition of the tournament, which begins on 12 September in Pasay City.
As hosts, the Philippines will compete in Pool A alongside Iran, Egypt and Tunisia. All of the team’s group matches will be played at the SM Mall of Asia Arena. They will open their campaign against Tunisia on 12 September, face Egypt on 16 September and finish the group stage against Iran on 18 September.
The 2025 event will be the first time the Philippines hosts the men’s edition of the World Championship. The country also joins rare company, becoming only the third nation to both host and make its tournament debut in the same year, after Czechoslovakia in 1949 and Mexico in 1974.
A total of 32 teams will compete across two venues in Metro Manila, with matches taking place at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City and the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City. After the group stage, the top two teams from each of the eight pools will advance to the Round of 16. The tournament will run through 28 September and will feature a full knockout phase, including the quarterfinals, semifinals and medal matches.
Hosting the World Championship is part of ongoing efforts to strengthen men’s volleyball in the Philippines. The women’s game has historically received more visibility, but interest in the men’s programme has increased in recent years. The Local Organising Committee aims to use the event to support broader development plans, including participation growth, improvements in national competition and increased capacity to host international events.
Italian coach Angiolino Frigoni will lead the Philippines at the World Championship. (Photo credits: Kimberly Pauig)
The SM Mall of Asia Arena and the Smart Araneta Coliseum will serve as competition venues, with preparations supported by both government and private stakeholders. The Local Organising Committee has announced fan zones and related activities across Metro Manila during the 17-day tournament.
Italian coach Angiolino Frigoni leads the team, having been appointed in 2024 through the FIVB Volleyball Empowerment programme. He brings more than 30 years of coaching experience at both national team and club levels.
Frigoni served as assistant coach of the Italian men’s team during the 1990s, a period that included two World Championship titles and three European titles. He later led the Italian and Dutch women’s national teams, guiding Italy to a bronze medal at the 1999 European Championship and their first Olympic appearance in 2000. He also coached Egypt to the African title in 2015 and won the U21 Men’s World Championship with Italy in 2021.
Since his appointment, Frigoni has focused on team discipline, tactical structure and preparation for international competition. He has also been working closely with local coaches to share knowledge and strengthen technical capacity within the programme.
Frigoni’s appointment in 2024 is part of a broader strategy supported by the FIVB Volleyball Empowerment programme. The Philippines first received targeted coaching support in 2021 through a 12-month project valued at $207,500, aimed at building technical foundations. A new phase began in 2024, focused specifically on the men’s national team, with an ongoing project worth $228,000. The combined support from both phases totals $435,500.
The team will be led by Bryan Bagunas and Marck Espejo, two of the most recognised athletes in Philippine volleyball. Both have been at the core of the national side in multiple international campaigns.
Together, Bagunas and Espejo bring the experience and international know-how the Philippines will need. Their leadership will be key against tough Pool A rivals.
Hosting the World Championship at home will give the Philippines strong support and a chance to build momentum for the sport. This debut reflects years of groundwork and a thriving volleyball culture, and the team will aim to compete and inspire fans across the country.
QUICK LINKS
AVC Website: click www.asianvolleyball.net
AVC Facebook: click https://www.facebook.com/avcasianvolleyball
AVC Twitter: click: www.twitter.com/AsianVolleyball
AVC Instagram: click: https://www.instagram.com/avcvolley/?hl=en
Mikasa Instagram: click: https://www.instagram.com/mikasasports_official
AVC Youtube: click: Asian Volleyball Confederation
AVC WeChat: Asian Volleyball Confederation
.