The competition officially began on Friday with a vibrant opening ceremony in Pasay City
The FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship 2025 opened on Friday with a vibrant ceremony at the SM Mall of Asia Arena, ushering in more than two weeks of competition among 32 teams and marking the historic first appearance of hosts Philippines.
The opening ceremony blended tradition and modern flair. The Ramon Obusan Folkloric Group highlighted Philippine heritage, the Buganda Drumline and Dancers added rhythm and energy, and local pop acts G22 and Karencitta followed, with Karencitta performing the official World Championship theme song. The parade of flags introduced all competing nations in a colourful display.
South Korean group BOYNEXTDOOR then took the stage to close the ceremony, delivering a K-pop performance that brought the crowd to its feet and capped a night of spectacle before the volleyball action began.
Philippine Sports Commission chairman Patrick C. Gregorio delivered welcome remarks during the event. His presence underlined the national support for staging the event, with the Philippines hosting the Men’s World Championship for the first time.
In reference to the event preparation, he stated; “This is not just world-class entertainment, behind every competition are our best minds and industries at work.”
FIVB President Fabio Azevedo also addressed the crowd at the arena. His message placed the event in its wider context, with the 21st edition of the World Championship returning to Asia and bringing together the world’s top teams on Philippine soil.
The FIVB President stated;
“On behalf of the Global Volleyball Movement, I would like to thank each and every one of you involved in this World Championship 2025. This is the first time that the Men’s World Championship is being hosted in Southeast Asia, and it’s the first time the competition has 32 teams. To the athletes, you are the heartbeat of this event – play hard, play fair, respect each other. To the fans, we {hope} that you can enjoy every single play of this World Championship. And to the people of the Philippines, thank you! Let’s celebrate the beauty of volleyball; collaboration, friendship, teamwork.”
Before the first match was played, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr, and First Lady Liza Araneta Marcos, stepped onto the court and delivered the ceremonial serve, officially opening the tournament. They were joined by their sons Joseph Simon and William Vincent, who is co-chairperson of the competition’s Local Organising Committee (LOC).
The Philippine men’s national team then took centre stage in its long-awaited World Championship debut, facing Tunisia in Pool A. The North African side relied on experience to win 3-0 (25-13, 25-17, 25-23), while the hosts drew loud support and pushed the third set to a close finish in a spirited introduction to the sport’s biggest stage.
The tournament continues in SM Mall of Asia Arena and Smart Araneta Coliseum in Manila through 28 September, when the final will determine whether Italy defend their crown or new champions will emerge.
QUICK LINKS
AVC Website: click www.asianvolleyball.net
AVC Facebook: click www.Facebook.com/AsianVolleyballConfederation
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