Pasay City, Philippines, September 12, 2025 – President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. officially opened the FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship 2025 on Friday evening, taking center court at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City to perform the ceremonial serve that signaled the start of the 32-nation spectacle.
This edition marks the first time the Philippines is hosting the prestigious tournament, which was last staged in Asia by Japan in 1998 and 2006. The Philippines now becomes only the second Asian nation to stage the event. In addition to the Mall of Asia Arena, matches will also be held at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City, with the competition running until September 28.
FIVB President Fabio Azevedo hailed the event as a turning point for volleyball in the Philippines.
“We are certain that the very best of world volleyball is here. This is the first Men’s World Championship ever hosted in Southeast Asia, and the first under the expanded 32-team format. Thirty-two nations are competing for one glory, one trophy,” he said.
Philippine Sports Commission Chairman Patrick “Pato” Gregorio echoed the sentiment, emphasizing volleyball’s growing place in the country’s sporting landscape.
“For many years, volleyball has been the underdog sport in the Philippines, often overshadowed by basketball. But tonight, this crowd, this event, this moment — we are standing at the threshold of a great new era and the dawn of an exciting legacy. Mabuhay ang Pilipinas!” he declared.
The historic opening was also graced by Philippine National Volleyball Federation (PNVF) and Asian Volleyball Confederation (AVC) President Ramon Suzara, Senator Pia Cayetano, a former national volleyball player, Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco, and Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) President Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino.
This year’s championship ushers in a new era for the sport, with the FIVB Men’s World Championship shifting from its traditional four-year cycle to a biennial format, offering more opportunities for the 32 participating teams to showcase their talent on the global stage.
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