AVC and PNVF President Tats Suzara is confident in the Philippines' readiness to host the 2025 FIVB Men's Volleyball World Championship, highlighting the tournament’s historic significance.
As the countdown to the 2025 FIVB Men's Volleyball World Championship begins, the Philippines is now gearing up to host the prestigious event for the first time in history.
According to Philippine National Volleyball Federation (PNVF) and newly-elected Asian Volleyball Confederation (AVC) President Tats Suzara, the country is ready to showcase its world-class hospitality and love for the sport when the tournament kicks off from September 12 to 28, 2025.
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Suzara emphasized the significance of the event not only for the Philippines but for the whole of Asia, as the region takes center stage in global volleyball.
“This is for the Filipino fans. This is for Asia,” Suzara told reports after the World Championship Draw held at the Solaire Grand Ballroom in Pasay City Saturday, September 14.
“With the Women’s World Championship in Thailand and the World Beach Championship in Australia, 2025 will be a huge year for Asian volleyball. Hosting the Men’s World Championship is a big honor, and we’re very proud to do it,” he added.
Suzara acknowledged that Alas Pilipinas Men, placed into Pool A alongside powerhouse teams such as Iran, Tunisia, and Egypt, face a formidable challenge.
“It’s a very tough group. Iran is an Asian champion and a world-class team, and Tunisia is a strong African squad like Egypt,” Suzara noted.
However, the AVC President expressed optimism about the Philippines' chances, especially given head coach Angiolino Frigoni’s experience coaching Egypt.
“I told Coach Frigoni, ‘You’ve coached Egypt before, so you know how to beat them. Maybe our Filipino players can do the same,” said Suzara.
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Despite the tough draw, Suzara believes the World Championships also present an opportunity for the Philippines to climb the global rankings. The Philippines is no. 64 in the men's world rankings currently.
“The main thing about this World Championship is to improve our world ranking,” he said. “Of course, we’ll definitely be in the Top 32 by hosting, but what’s more important is the experience we’ll gain. This event is historic for the Philippines and will give us invaluable exposure,” said Suzara.
The tournament will be held across two of the country’s premier venues, with the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City serving as the main site for the knockout stages, including the round of 16, quarterfinals, semifinals, and Finals. Meanwhile, the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City will host the qualification rounds.
“The Mall of Asia Arena will be our main venue, and Smart Araneta will serve as site B,” Suzara explained. “Both venues are iconic, and we are confident they will provide an unforgettable experience for players and fans alike.”
In addition to the thrilling matches, Suzara revealed plans for a grand opening ceremony to kick off the tournament in style.
“We are putting the opening day at MOA, with only one match on September 12,” he said. “We’ll have a big celebration with a mini concert and a special guest to mark the start of the World Championship.”
As the host country, the Philippines will be under the spotlight as it welcomes the best volleyball teams from around the globe. With high hopes for a strong showing and a successful tournament, Suzara remains confident that the country is more than ready to take on the challenge.
“We have the hospitality of the Filipinos, and we are excellent hosts. We can really make history by hosting 32 teams for the first time,” Suzara said.