The second day of play in the Philippines promises eight exciting matchups.
Following the historic opening match between hosts Philippines and Tunisia, the 2025 FIVB Men`s Volleyball World Championship proceeds on Saturday. Half of the 32 participating teams are scheduled to make their first appearance on this day.
Manila, the capital region of the Philippines, will host the opening games for Pools B, D, E, and G. The day`s most anticipated events include the tournament debuts of former world champions USA and Poland, alongside Asian volleyball powerhouse Japan.
Pool B
The highlight of Pool B will be the debut of three-time world champions Poland. Having been dethroned by Italy in 2022 after securing consecutive golds in 2014 and 2018, the reigning VNL champions will rely on their formidable roster, including outside hitters Wilfredo León and Tomasz Fornal, opposite Bartosz Kurek, and middle blocker Jakub Kochanowski, to secure a victory against Romania. Romania makes its return to the world stage for the first time since 1982. This match will conclude the day`s events at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City, commencing at 21:30 local time (13:30 GMT).
Tomasz Fornal commented, “Many Romanian players compete in the Polish League. Teams not considered favorites play without pressure and have nothing to lose, so we don`t anticipate an easy match. Everyone will strive to perform at their best against us, but if we play at our usual standard, nothing should prevent us from winning the pool.”
Earlier, at 18:00 (10:00 GMT), the Netherlands and Qatar will clash in the other Pool B fixture, both keen to start their campaign strongly. The Dutch are currently rebuilding their team under new head coach Joel Banks, while Qatar aims to continue its upward trajectory in international volleyball, looking to surpass their 21st-place finish from their debut World Championship appearance in 2022.
Pool D
The United States will kick off their Pool D campaign early, facing Colombia in the day`s opening match at 10:00 (2:00 GMT) at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City. With the return of Olympic medalists Micah Christenson and Taylor Averill, who were absent from the Volleyball Nations League, the Americans are expected to be a formidable opponent for the young Colombian team. Although Colombia has been showing improvement, this will mark their inaugural World Championship match.
A few hours later, at 13:30 (5:30 GMT), Cuba and Portugal will face off in a potentially crucial match for advancing to the next round. While the Caribbean team boasts elite players like middle blocker Robertlandy Simón and Marlon Yant, the Europeans possess an experienced core that will not be intimidated by the big stage.
Pool E
European rivals Germany and Bulgaria are set to open Pool E play, with their match scheduled for 17:30 (9:30 GMT) in Pasay City. A victory in this initial encounter could position the winning team favorably for the Round of 16. While Germany will rely on the seasoned opposite György Grozer, Bulgaria anticipates strong performances from its star duo: 21-year-old outside hitter Aleksandar Nikolov and his younger brother, 18-year-old setter Simeon.
The day in Pasay City will conclude with Slovenia facing Chile at 21:00 (13:00 GMT). Spearheaded by opposite Tonček Štern, outside hitter Tine Urnaut, and middle blocker Jan Kozamernik, the European team is widely favored against their South American counterparts. Chile will look to outside hitters Dusan Bonacic and Vicente Parraguirre to challenge their formidable opponents.
Pool G
Japan, the reigning Asian champions and another strong contender for a podium finish in the Philippines, will begin their campaign against Türkiye. This debut match, set for 14:00 (6:00 GMT) in Quezon City, promises an exciting display featuring three of the tournament`s most dynamic outside hitters: Yuki Ishikawa and Ran Takahashi for Japan, and Efe Mandıracı for Türkiye.
Earlier, at 10:30 (2:30 GMT), Canada will play Libya in the day`s first match at the Smart Araneta Coliseum. The North Americans will be spearheaded by veteran outside hitter Nicholas Hoag, while the African team will look to the scoring prowess of opposite Ahmed Ikhbary in their attempt to cause an upset in their first World Championship match in 45 years.
2025 FIVB Men’s Volleyball World Championship: Match Schedule
Men’s Volleyball World Championship Schedule for Saturday, September 13, 2025
- 10:00 local time (2:00 GMT) – Pool D – USA vs. Colombia
- 10:30 local time (2:30 GMT) – Pool G – Canada vs. Libya
- 13:30 local time (5:30 GMT) – Pool D – Cuba vs. Portugal
- 14:00 local time (6:00 GMT) – Pool G – Japan vs. Türkiye
- 17:30 local time (9:30 GMT) – Pool E – Germany vs. Bulgaria
- 18:00 local time (10:00 GMT) – Pool B – The Netherlands vs. Qatar
- 21:00 local time (13:00 GMT) – Pool E – Slovenia vs. Chile
- 21:30 local time (13:30 GMT) – Pool B – Poland vs. Romania
Jasper Thornfield 
Oliver Wrenwick