In a historic move for Southeast Asian sports, the Philippines has officially been selected to host the 2025 FIVB Men’s Volleyball World Championship, one of the premier global events under the Fédération Internationale de Volleyball (FIVB).
The announcement was made in coordination with the Philippine National Volleyball Federation (PNVF) and the Department of Tourism, highlighting the country’s growing stature in the international sports scene.
This article outlines everything fans and sports organizers need to know about the 2025 FIVB World Championship in the Philippines—from host cities and match schedules to ticketing, venue readiness, and economic impact.
What Is the FIVB Men’s Volleyball World Championship?
The FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship is a biennial international tournament featuring the world’s best national volleyball teams.
Organized by the FIVB, this competition attracts millions of fans globally and is considered second only to the Olympics in volleyball prestige.
Key Highlights
- First held in 1949
- Features 24 qualifying national teams
- Hosted in various global cities every two years
- Latest edition: Italy and Bulgaria (2022)
The 2025 edition marks the first time the Philippines will host the tournament, making it a major milestone for the country.
When Will the Tournament Be Held?
The 2025 FIVB Men’s World Championship will take place from September 12 to October 5, 2025, spanning over three weeks of world-class volleyball action.
Tournament Schedule Overview
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Opening Ceremony | September 12, 2025 |
| Group Stage Matches | Sept 12 – Sept 22, 2025 |
| Round of 16 & Quarterfinals | Sept 24 – Sept 28, 2025 |
| Semifinals | October 2, 2025 |
| Final & Closing Ceremony | October 5, 2025 |
Schedules are subject to final venue confirmation by FIVB and PNVF.
Which Cities Will Host Matches?
The Philippines is preparing multiple cities and venues to serve as match hubs. These include:
Confirmed Host Venues (Subject to FIVB Approval)
| City | Venue | Capacity |
|---|---|---|
| Manila (Pasay) | Mall of Asia Arena | 15,000 |
| Quezon City | Smart Araneta Coliseum | 16,500 |
| Cebu City | Cebu Coliseum / SM Seaside Arena (TBA) | 8,000–12,000 |
| Davao City | Davao City Sports Complex (proposed) | 10,000 |
| Clark/Angeles | New Clark City Stadium (indoor complex) | 9,500 |
All venues will undergo FIVB standard inspections and upgrades by mid-2025.
Participating Teams and Qualification
A total of 24 teams will qualify through continental championships, FIVB world rankings, and wildcard entries.
Top Qualified Teams (as of June 2025)
| Region | Teams Confirmed |
|---|---|
| Asia | Japan, Iran, Philippines (host) |
| Europe | Poland, Italy, France, Slovenia |
| Americas | USA, Brazil, Argentina |
| Africa | Egypt, Tunisia |
🇵🇭 The Philippines earns automatic qualification as host, marking its first appearance since 1974.
How to Buy Tickets
Tickets will be available online and at authorized outlets starting July 2025. Prices are expected to range from ₱300 to ₱3,000 per match, depending on the seat tier and stage of the tournament.
Ticketing Info
- Available at www.fivb.com and www.pnvf.ph
- Discounts for students, seniors, and OFWs
- Group sales and VIP packages available
- Mobile e-ticketing enabled
Early bird promos and multi-match passes will be announced in June 2025.
Economic and Tourism Impact
Hosting the FIVB World Championship is expected to boost:
- Local tourism, especially in Metro Manila and key provinces
- Sports employment (coaches, event staff, media teams)
- Hotel and transport sectors
- Country branding as a top-tier sports destination
The Department of Tourism (DOT) projects over 200,000 local and foreign visitors, generating an estimated ₱4 billion in tourism revenue.
Broadcast and Streaming Access
Filipino fans and international viewers can watch matches via:
- Cignal TV / One Sports (local broadcast partner)
- FIVB Volleyball TV (global streaming)
- YouTube and Facebook Live (highlight clips and interviews)
All matches will include live statistics, commentary, and multi-language subtitles.
Support for Local Athletes and Grassroots Development
As part of the hosting legacy, the PNVF and DepEd will launch school-based volleyball clinics, coaching certification programs, and grassroots development efforts across all regions.
Over 2,000 schools nationwide will receive volleyball equipment grants and access to the FIVB coaching network.
The 2025 FIVB Men’s Volleyball World Championship in the Philippines is a defining moment for the country’s global sports image. With top-tier teams, world-class venues, and an energized fan base, the event promises to be one of the biggest sporting highlights of the year.
Don’t miss your chance to witness history—check schedules, book tickets early, and support Team Philippines on their home court.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Will Team Philippines play in Metro Manila?
Yes. Team Philippines is expected to play at least one group stage match in Manila, likely at the Mall of Asia Arena.
Q2: Can I volunteer for the event?
Yes. The PNVF will open volunteer registration in April 2025 for roles in media, logistics, translation, and fan assistance.
Q3: Are foreign fans allowed to enter the country easily?
Yes. The Bureau of Immigration has coordinated with the DOT to ensure visa-free or fast-track entry for fans from over 100 countries.