Philippines to Host 2025 Volleyball Men’s World Championship

The Philippines wll host the 2025 FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship from September 12–28 with its largest field ever of 32 teams from around the world competing.

The International Volleyball Federation and Volleyball World made the announcement on Wednesday. The 2025 event will begin the cycle of having the championships on a biennual basis instead of every four years which had been the previous schedule.

“It is with great excitement that we announce the Philippines as the host for the Volleyball Men’s World Championship 2025,” said Finn Taylor, chief executive officer of Volleyball World. “The Philippines, with its proven track record of hosting major volleyball events and passionate fanbase, is well-positioned to deliver an exceptional championship that will showcase the best of the sport.”

The revised format will see 32 teams divided into eight groups of four teams during the round-robin phase. The two best teams from each group will then progress to the knockout phase. The defending champion in 2025 will be Italy after it beat Poland in the final.

The world championship has been held 20 times previously with the Soviet Union winning six times, the most of any country. The United States has won the championship once before, in 1986.

“This prestigious event will not only inspire a new generation of athletes but will also help to encourage increased participation in sport at all levels in the country and wider region,” said FIVB President Ary S. Graça F°. “We are confident that the Philippines will host an extraordinary world championship that will leave a lasting legacy and help to cultivate an even brighter future for our sport globally.”

The Philippine bid was led by the country’s government along with the Secretary of Tourism, Philippine Volleyball Federation and private stakeholders. The Philippines Secretary of Tourism will integrate the “LOVE THE Philippines” promotional campaign into the event.

“The Philippines’ hosting of this global volleyball event bolsters our sports tourism portfolio, driving economic growth, highlighting the country’s diverse array of tourism offerings that promise a truly unforgettable Philippine Experience,” said Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco. “We are eager to showcase to the international volleyball community the many reasons to Love the Philippines.”