Egypt is set to make its 11th appearance at the 2025 FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship in the Philippines. Competing in Pool A, they will face Iran on September 14, the host nation Philippines on September 16, and Tunisia on September 18. All these crucial matches will be held at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
Renowned as one of Africa`s most decorated national teams, Egypt enters the championship with a storied history of continental victories and a clear ambition to elevate its global standing. The team secured its qualification as the highest-ranked African squad in the FIVB World Ranking, currently holding the 22nd position worldwide.
Egypt`s regional dominance is undeniable, boasting nine African Championship titles from 1976 to their most recent triumph in 2023. This sustained excellence has solidified their reputation within the CAVB zone. The country`s top clubs, like Al Ahly and Zamalek, command significant fan bases and frequently compete for continental honors, providing a robust foundation for the national squad.
Despite their regional prowess, translating this into significant global breakthroughs has proven more difficult. Egypt`s best World Championship performance was a 13th-place finish in 2010, and they haven`t progressed past the first round in subsequent editions. Their most impressive Olympic showing was ninth at Rio 2016. Although they secured the Challenger Cup title in 2024, achieving a deep run in a major FIVB tournament still presents a challenge.
The Egyptian Volleyball Federation (EVBF) has adopted a long-term strategy to bolster the national team, emphasizing player development, international exposure, and professional advancement. A crucial component of this initiative is the FIVB Volleyball Empowerment program, which has channeled over $300,000 into the men`s team since 2021, primarily supporting various coaching projects.
The team is currently under the guidance of head coach Marco Bonitta, renowned for leading the Italian women’s team to their inaugural World Championship title in 2002. In recent years, Egypt has also benefited from the expertise of FIVB-supported coaches like Fernando Muñoz and Flavio Gulinelli, who worked with the senior squad, and Percy Oncken, who focused on youth development programs.
To bridge the gap between youth and senior levels, the federation actively encourages players to gain experience in more competitive overseas leagues. Furthermore, they have implemented enhancements in training methodologies, recovery protocols, and performance tracking.
In Pool A, Egypt will contend against Iran, the Philippines, and Tunisia. Facing experienced adversaries and the added pressure of playing the host nation, each match will serve as a significant challenge. Leveraging their long-standing African success and recent development initiatives, Egypt aims to deliver an elevated performance and progress further than in previous championships.
Oliver Wrenwick 
Finley Blackwood